Early changes in the membrane of HeLa cells adsorbing Sendai virus under conditions of fusion.

Adsorption of Sendai virus at high multiplicity (500-1,000 HAU/10(6) cells) to HeLa cells grown in monolayers causes immediate changes in the ion barrier of the cell membrane, as well as changes in the morphology of the virus-treated cells. Within minutes of adsorption the cells begin to lose potassium and an extensive influx of ions into the cells occurs. Concomitantly with these changes, the cell membrane becomes depolarized, and the resting potential across its membrane decreases. Twenty to sixty minutes post adsorption the damage to the cell membrane is repaired, and both the potassium uptake and the resting potential return to their pre-exposure values. Scanning electron-micrographs of Sendai infected cells incubated at 37 degrees C show formation of bridging microvilli in a zipper-like fashion within two to five minutes post-adsorption; 30 to 60 minutes thereafter the majority of cells in the monolayer are fused. Biochemical changes induced by virus adsorption and the role of Ca++ ions in the observed effects are discussed.