Blood, 1955, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 228-234.
© 1955 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
The Survival Time of Canine Erythrocytes Modified by
Influenza Virus
W. B. STEWART 1,
C. W. PETENYI 1, and
H. M. ROSE 1
1 Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University.
Canine erythrocytes labeled with radioactive iron were modified by the action
of influenza virus. Modified cells were transfused to compatible recipients and
the survival of the donated cells was followed by means of their radioactivity.
A rapid fall of radioactivity occurred in the first half hour, followed by a rise
which reached a maximum in 2 to 3 hours. The donated cells were then destroyed
and had all disappeared by 3-4 days. During the time modified erythrocytes
were in the circulation, panagglutinins to them were undetectable. However, if
the initial concentration of panagglutinin was unusually high, the virus-treated
red cells were permanently removed from the circulation within one-half hour
after transfusion.
Hence, it is concluded that virus-modified canine erythrocytes have a greatly
shortened survival-time. In addition, it is suggested that the panagglutinins to
virus-modified erythrocytes may be responsible for the rapid destruction of the
modified cells.
Submitted on April 27, 1954
Accepted on June 11, 1954
