Monovalent cation metabolism and cytopathic effects of poliovirus-infected HeLa cells

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Abstract
To better understand the significance of 22Na+ accumulation by poliovirus-infected HeLa [human cervical carcinoma] cells, measurements of cellular Na+, K+ and Cl- contents, volume and density were carried out at intervals after infection. The rates of 22Na+ washout from infected and control cells were determined. Starting at around 3 h postinfection, the Na+ content of infected cells increased, whereas the K+ content decreased progressively, resulting in a net loss in the monovalent cation content per cell. The loss in cellular Cl- content exceeded that in monovalent cation content. The kinetics of 22Na+ washout from infected and control cells revealed the presence of an extra Na+ compartment in infected cells. A net loss in the monovalent cation activity of infected cells was indicated by the loss of cell water as reflected in a decrease in cell volume and an increase in cell density. In spite of a net loss in monovalent cation content per cell, Na+ accumulation coupled with cell shrinkage resulted in substantial increases in the concentrations of Na+ and K+. The results suggested a possible role for tonicity change in the morphological lesions of poliovirus cytotoxicity.