Herbert N. Prince

A Comparative Study of the Antitumor and Antiviral Activity of 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosyl-5-fluorocytosine (FCA) and 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (CA)

Summary FCA was similar or slightly superior in activity to CA with regard to antitumor effects when tested against the following experimental tumors: ascitic leukemia L-1210, sarcoma-180, Ehrlich solid carcinoma and mammary adenocarcinoma EO 771. FCA was appreciably more active on a mg/kg basis than CA with regard to its effect against the solid forms of leukemia L-1210 in both semi-isologous BDF1 and homologous albino mice, as well as against Walker carcinosarcoma 256. Both substances were without effect against the Flexner-Jobling carcinoma in rats. FCA and CA exerted similar degrees of antiviral activity against herpes simplex keratitis in the rabbit and vaccinia virus in rhesus monkey kidney cell cultures. Both substances were inactive in vivo and in vitro against the following RNA-containing viruses: Columbia SK, Coxsackie virus B1 (GP), and influenza A (PR8).

The Antiviral Activity of 3,4-Dihydro-1-isoquinolineacetamide Hydrochloride in Vitro, in Ovo, and in Small Laboratory Animals

Summary 3, 4-Dihydro-1-isoquinolineacetamide hydrochloride (DIQA) is a novel antiviral agent active in vivo against Columbia SK virus, herpesvirus, ECHO 9 virus (Coxsackie virus A23) and the PR8 and Japan 305/57 strains of influenza A virus. The substance was without effect in vivo against Coxsackie virus B1, Newcastle disease virus and influenza B virus. The compound was inactive when tested in tissue cultures against the viruses for which it had an antiviral effect in vivo. It was also inactive in tissue cultures against poliovirus type I and measles virus. Activity in vitro could be detected against Coxsackie virus B1 and vaccinia virus but, in the latter case, only if a plaque-reduction method was employed. The antiviral agent did not display anti-influenza activity in ovo.

α-Chloromethyl-2-methyl-5-nitro-1-imidazoleethanol (Ro 7-0207), a substance exhibiting antiparasitic activity against amebae, trichomonads and pinworms.

Summary α-Chloromethyl-2-methyl-5-nitro-1-imidazoleethanol was found to exert marked chemotherapeutic effects against experimentally induced infections of rodents with Endamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichomonas foetus, and against a natural pinworm infection of mice produced by Syphacia obvelata. The substance was also highly active in vitro against anaerobic bacteria but not against facultative or aerobic microorganisms. Except for a slight effect noted in the case of the sarcoma-180 tumor, this 5-nitroimidazole derivative was inactive in all other experimental models tested in vivo including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY AND THE SEARCH FOR EFFECTIVE ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

Chemotherapeutic research i n the f i e l d of virology is not a new endeavor. There is no doubt that the i n t e r e s t , practical as w e l l a s t heo re t i ca l , i n successful ly combatting v i r u s diseases of animals and plants , has increased considerably s ince the l a s t conference on a n t i v i r a l agents. Consequently, i n t e r e s t i n experimental t e s t i n g methods which allow f o r the se l ec t ion of ac t ive compounds has a l s o increased.

Effects of Source, Sex and Gnotobiosis on Susceptibility of Adult Mice to Coxsackie B-l Virus

Summary A distinct difference exists in the susceptibility of different strains of conventional 18-20 g Swiss albino mice to infection with the lethal GP strain of Coxsackie B-1 virus. The sex of the animal is not a determinant with regard to susceptibility to the infection. Germ-free Swiss albino mice (Charles River CD-1 strain) were significantly less susceptible to the infection with Coxsackie B-1 virus (GP strain) than were their conventional counterparts.

Studies on the Site and Rate of Replication of the GP Strain of Coxsackie B1 Virus in Mice

Summary The GP strain of Coxsackie B1 virus replicates rapidly and to high titers in the liver of infected mice. Smaller yields occur in the skeletal muscle and brain. Virus appears within 24 hours in the liver and in skeletal muscle but is not detected in the brain until 48 hours after infection. Signs of illness appear 72 hours after infection regardless of the infecting dose.

Lethal Infection of Adult Mice with Coxsackie B-1 Virus.

Summary Coxsackie B-1 virus can become lethal for weanling and adult nonconditioned mice. This property is not gained at the expense of other characteristics, specifically cytopathogenic effect in monkey kidney cell cultures and ability to be neutralized by specific antiserum.