This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Pearson, G. R. Articles by Beneke, J. S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Pearson, G. R. Articles by Beneke, J. S.

Inhibition of Herpesvirus saimiri Replication by Phosphonoacetic Acid, Benzo(a)pyrene, and Methylcholanthrene¹

Mayo Medical School, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55901

The present investigations were undertaken to determine the possible effects of two carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(a)pyrene and 3-methylcholanthrene on Herpesvirus saimiri replication. The results from these experiments were compared with the effects of phosphonoacetic acid on the virus replication cycle. Phosphonoacetic acid inhibited the synthesis of virus-induced intracellular late antigens, membrane antigens, and infectious virus but not the synthesis of the early antigens induced by H. saimiri. In contrast, benzo(a)pyrene and 3-methylcholanthrene inhibited primarily membrane antigen expression and infectious virus production. Benzo(a)pyrene was the most effective of the two compounds, with significant inhibition occurring with 2 µg/ml, whereas a minimum concentration of 10 µg/ml was required with 3-methylcholanthrene. Both compounds were most effective when present continuously during the 4-day infection process. However, exposure of infected cultures to a 3-hr pulse with each chemical also inhibited membrane antigen expression. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells for 48 hr before virus infection resulted in the inhibition of membrane antigen expression but not that of early or late antigens. These results demonstrate that some carcinogenic chemicals are capable of altering the H. saimiri replication cycle, primarily by inhibiting some but not all late events.

¹ Supported by the Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minn. 55901.

Received 6/ 1/76. Accepted 9/24/76.