Reversible effect of hypotonic solutions on growth of influenza virus in tissue cultures.

Abstract

Summary1. Growth of virus is inhibited by exposure of infected chorioallantoic membrane to Hanks' balanced salt solution diluted 1:2 or 1:4. This occurs either at the beginning of the experiment or after a 24 hour period of virus multiplication. Restoration of isotonicity with NaCl up to 42 hours after infection results in reversal. 2. NaCl when added late, although it stimulates virus growth, does not increase tissue proliferation. Glucose 0.14 M in 25%BSS permits almost normal tissue proliferation, but does not significantly stimulate virus synthesis during the first 24 hours. 3. Loss of virus from heavily infected tissue occurs on exposure to 50, 35, or 25%BSS. This is prevented by adjusting the solution to near normal osmolarity with glucose. Tissue respiration is markedly inhibited by 25%BSS but not by 50%BSS. 4. The relative roles of electrolytes and osmotic properties of the solution in virus attachment, penetration, and synthesis and on tissue respiration are considered.