Growth characteristics of reovirus type 2: actinomycin D and the synthesis of viral RNA.

Reoviruses have been determined to be relatively large in size, 700-775 A in diameter; icosahedral in shape; possessing an inner membrane of unknown function and composition;l-4 and containing an unusual double-helical RNA structure of high molecular weight which is relatively resistant to RNase.5' 6 Cell cultures infected with reoviruses contain pale-green perinuclear inclusion bodies (acridine orange) which are insensitive to both RNase and DNase.3' I Although infection of cells results in a specific inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis with no apparent change of RNA or protein synthesis,8 the synthesis of reovirus RNA remains to be demonstrated. The present communication describes the synthesis of reovirus type 2 RNA and the effect of actinomycin D on viral RNA and protein synthesis in a stable line of human amnion and HeLa cells.