Induction of cellular DNA synthesis and increased mitotic activity in syrian hamster embryo cells abortively infected with human cytomegalovirus.

The effect of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) on cell DNA synthesis and mitotic activity in hamster embryo fibroblasts was examined. The results indicated that CMV infected cells had increased rates of cell DNA replication and mitotic activity. Detection of the effect of CMV on these two parameters necessitated arrest of cells prior to infection with low serum concentrations. This lowered the background levels of DNA synthesis and cell division so that the effect of virus infection could be detected. The data indicate that cells arrested prior to infection demonstrate increased susceptibility to virus infection. It was also observed that the effect of CMV on both DNA replication and mitotic activity could be enhanced by irradiation with ultraviolet light of the virus prior to infection.