Induction of membrane proliferation in mouse CNS by gold sodium thiomalate with reference to increased virulence of the avirulent Semliki Forest virus.

Separation of smooth membrane vesicles from whole mouse brain by isopycnic centrifugation in discontinuous sucrose density gradients show an increased membrane proliferation in gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM) treated mice. Induction of membrane proliferation by GSTM seems to be an important factor in converting the avirulent Semliki Forest virus infection into a lethal one.