Dehydrogenase studies of Chorioallantioic fluids infected with influenza A virus (PRS)

Comparatively few investigations concerning the metabolic behavior of virus had been reported before 1942. Since that time, there has been appearing a steady increase in the number of publications. Most of the studies have been concerned with isolated phases of this large problem. However, a widely accepted theory attempting to explain viral metabolism has been proposed. Upon entrance into a susceptible host cell, the virus particle shifts the normal metabolic activities of the host cell in such a manner as to result in the synthesis of more virus particles. The mechanism by which the virus particle accomplishes this is unknown. The above theory in itself suggests a need for more extensive metabolic studies of viruses; for, if we are to know how the virus particle duplicates itself within its host, we must first gain a clearer and broader knowledge of virus metabolism. Also, the planning of a logical approach to a chemotherapeutic attack on virus diseases necessitates a better understanding of the biochemistry of virus infections. This study was suggested by the work of Bauer (1947). Mouse brains infected with either of the viruses of yellow fever, lymphocytic choriomeningitis or lymphogranuloma inguinale were studied. The virus-infected brains showed a significant increase in dehydrogenase activity when compared with that in normal brains. This, increase was due, in part at least, to an increase in xamthine oxidase and pryuvic dehydrogenase activities. Bauer suggested that these to enzymes were in all probability essential for virus multiplication. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to determine whether or not there is an increase dehydrogenase activity of chorioallantoic fluid of 13 day-old embryonated chicken eggs previously infected with influenza A virus (PRS).