The Survival Time of Canine Erythrocytes Modified by Influenza Virus

Canine erythrocytes labeled with radioactive iron were modified by the action of influenza virus. Modified cells were transfused to compatible recipients and the survival of the donated cells was followed by means of their radioactivity. A rapid fall of radioactivity occurred in the first half hour, followed by a rise which reached a maximum in 2 to 3 hours. The donated cells were then destroyed and had all disappeared by 3-4 days. During the time modified erythrocytes were in the circulation, panagglutinins to them were undetectable. However, if the initial concentration of panagglutinin was unusually high, the virus-treated red cells were permanently removed from the circulation within one-half hour after transfusion.

Hence, it is concluded that virus-modified canine erythrocytes have a greatly shortened survival-time. In addition, it is suggested that the panagglutinins to virus-modified erythrocytes may be responsible for the rapid destruction of the modified cells.