Analysis of the inhibitory effect of peritoneal macrophages on the spread of herpes simplex virus

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Abstract
Peritoneal macrophages obtained from mice after an i.p. injection of tryptose peptone inhibited the development of herpes simplex virus [HSV] type 2 plaques in syngeneic mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Peritoneal macrophages, spleen cells and thymocytes from untreated mice showed minimal inhibitory effect on development of viral plaques. The effect was age dependent. Macrophages from 2 and 3 wk old mice showed weaker functions, requiring a larger number of cells for an equivalent reduction of plaques and virus yield than those from adult mice. When macrophages were treated with procaine, their phagocytic activity was completely abolished. The procaine-treated macrophages still could inhibit the development of viral plaques. Peritoneal macrophages showed no increased cytotoxicity against HSV-infected cells; plaque inhibition might rather be attributable to their cytostatic effects on target cells.