Influence of infection with an influenza A virus (fowl plague) on Ca++-uptake and lipid metabolism of chick embryo cells in culture.

After infection of primary chick embryo cells with an influenza A virus (FPV) the synthesis of polar lipids was specifically inhibited, while mono-, di- and triacylglycerols and fatty acids accumulated. Influx of Ca++ accelerated and Ca++ accumulated in the infected cells. Since enzymes like choline phosphotransferase are sensitive to high concentrations of Ca++, specific inhibition of the synthesis of polar lipids is presumably due to an increased influx of Ca++ by the infection.