The Effect of Thiouracil and Thyroactive Substances on Mouse Susceptibility to Poliomyelitis Virus

Abstract

Three groups of 5-wk.-old mice were injd. intracerebrally with 0.05 ml. of a 3% suspension of infected brain-cord. One group was given 0.5 mg. of thyropro-tein (thyroactive iodocasein) daily by mouth; a 2d was given 0.5 mg. of thiouracil; and a 3d served as controls. The thiouracil mice invariably showed symptoms of paralysis and succumbed early, whereas the thyroprotein group had incubation periods much longer than those of the controls. The thyroactive substances increased the metabolic rate and it seems likely that there is a relation between altered metabolism and resistance to poliomyelitis virus.