The replication of the Kilham rat virus (RV) in various host systems: immunofluorescent studies.

Abstract

The replicative cycle of the Kilham rat virus (RV-13) in rat embryo (RE), hamster embryo (HE), and L-929 cell cultures was studied under conditions of high viral input multiplicity. The synthesis of RV antigen in infected cells was followed by the indirect fluorescent antibody (FA) technique and correlated with the appearance of extracellular hemagglutinin. The synthesis of specific antigen in RE and HE cell cultures appeared to follow a similar pattern. Cytoplasmic fluorescence was observed early in the replicative cycle of RV in both host systems. Nuclear fluorescence was detected 6–8 h later after a decline in the number of cells exhibiting cytoplasmic fluorescence. Nuclear fluorescence appeared more extensive and more intense in RE cells. In addition, a significantly higher hemagglutinin titer was obtained from the infection of RE cells. The replicative cycle of RV in L-929 cells appeared aborted. Although the synthesis of RV structural antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of these cells, subsequent nuclear fluorescence was totally absent and extracellular hemagglutinin was not detected.