Effect of Certain Enzyme Inhibitors on Hemolytic and Hemagglutinating Activity of Mumps Virus.

Abstract

Mumps virus hemolysin is inhibited by hydroxylamine HCl and urethane without affecting the hemagglutinin. Cysteine increases both the hemagglutinating and hemolytic activity of mumps virus while glutathione, which has a marked potentiating effect on the hemagglutinin, inhibits the hemolytic activity. Other reducing agents, such as hydroquinone and Na2SO3, increase the hemagglutinating capacity of the virus. The different effects of these various substances on the hemolysin and the hemagglutinin suggest that they are distinct entities. The possibility that the hemolysin of mumps virus is a lecithinase is discussed.