GROWTH OF VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS IN L CELLS I

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Abstract
The growth of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus in monolayer cultures of L cells was characterized by a latent phase of 3 to 4 hr, an active accelerated (exponential) growth phase of 8 to 12 hr, and a phase of constant growth and release of about 46 to 50 hr. The average L cell was capable of producing greater than 104 LD50 virus; this permitted at least 5 volumes of fluid to be collected from a single culture which contained peak concentrations of virus. The cytopathology induced by the virus in L cells became evident about 12 to 24 hr after peak titers were reached, or about the middle of the phase of constant growth and release, and steadily progressed until the end of that phase. During this time the cell culture was still capable of producing nearly peak titers of virus. Cytopathology manifested itself as a slight rounding-up of cells about 12 hr after the peak titer was obtained. During each additional 12-hr period of incubation, progressive changes in the culture occurred, including a decrease in the staining intensities of the nuclear membrane and cytoplasm, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pycnosis, and an increased accumulation of cellular debris.