THE RELATION OF HERPES VIRUS TO HOST CELL MITOCHONDRIA

Abstract
The intracellular distribution of herpes virus in embryonic liver was investigated. 80 per cent of the virus was found in the cytoplasm in what appears to be a form uncombined with mitochondria or nuclei. A significant amount of the virus (16 per cent) was found bound to the mitochondria by an intimate attachment. Furthermore evidence was obtained that the mitochondria from liver tissue undergo a selective deterioration when infected with herpes virus. The concept is advanced that these organelles function in the development of virus.