Cytopathogenic Effect of Poliomyelitis Viruses In vitro on Human Embryonic Tissues.

Abstract

The capacity of the Lansing and Brunhilde strains of poliomyelitis virus to cause cell injury and death is demonstrated. This cytopathogenic property is revealed (1) by degenerative changes produced in infected fragments of human embryonic tissue in flask cultures and apparent on histologic examination; (2) by failure of such tissue fragments to exhibit normal cell migration when explanted to plasma cultures; (3) by degeneration of newly emigrated cells in infected roller-tube cultures of human embryonic skin-muscle tissue; and (4) by decreased acid production by infected cells. The conclusion that certain of these manifestations of injury are induced as a result of infection by the virus is supported by the fact that type specific immune serum prevents their development.