Chromosome aberrations in lymphoid tissues of different origin and immune responsiveness of Macaca rhesus monkeys infected with poliovirus type 1.

A virulent strain of poliovirus type 1 induced aberrations in the chromosomal apparatus of both blood lymphocytes and bone marrow cells in infected Macaca rhesus monkeys. In addition, there were significant differences in the type and degree of aberrations, occurring in bone marrow cells and blood lymphocytes. Changes were also observed in the mitotic activity of bone marrow cells. Poliovirus inhibited the lymphocyte blast transformation (LBT) to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), but enhanced the LBT to virus-specific antigen and the reactivity of neutrophils.