RNA synthesis in BHK 21 cells persistently infected with vesicular stomatitis virus and rabies virus.

Virus-induced RNA synthesis was studied in BHK 21 cells persistently infected with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and rabies virus by labelling RNA synthesized in the presence of antinomycin D. During persistent infection the species of messenger RNA synthesized were similar in size and relative proportions to those seen during acute infection, but there were some minor differences. Full-sized B virion RNA was generally not detected during persistent infection, and new species (probably DI virion RNA) appeared.