Beta-glucuronidase response of cells infected with Adenovirus types 5 and 12.

Beta-glucuronidase activity was investigated during a 48-h period in which virus replication and changes in cell morphology occurred. Infection of an established line of chimpanzee liver cells with either nononcogenic adenovirus 5 or highly oncogenic adenovirus 12 under one-step growth conditions produced differing patterns of enzyme activity. There was an increase in total activity and also enhanced leakage of beta-glucuronidase from cells infected with adenovirus 12. In contrast, the enzymatic pattern of cells infected with adenovirus 5 was similar to that of uninfected cells. Hydrocortisone prevented the abnormal release of beta-glucuronidase from adenovirus 12-infected cells. The compound had no effect on total enzyme activity or on virus replication and the development of cytopathology.