The Hypotensive Action of Influenza Virus on Rats

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Abstract
Summary: Intravenous injection of purified PR8 influenza virus into albino rats produced a precipitous drop in the mean arterial blood pressure. This hypotensive response was not apparently related to the action of impurities in the virus preparation. As previously reported, specific antiserum against the virus neutralized the hypotensive fraction. This hypotensive fraction was found in each of four other strains of the influenza virus. The hypotensive fraction differed from other properties of the virus in its relative heat stability, and its lability on prolonged storage at −70 C. A phenomenon analogous to the interference phenomenon was observed. Injections of bacterial suspensions of five pathogenic species elicited only a small degree of response. It appeared possible that the hypotension resulted from direct action of the virus on the myocardium.