Virus (Herpes Simplex,Vaccinia) Studies in Embryonated Eggs with Radioactive Phosphorus. ∗

Abstract

Conclusions

1. The following observations were made on basic methods of using P³² in biological studies: a. P3² as received from Oak Ridge is usually sterile but penicillin and streptomycin can be added before direct inoculation into eggs to obviate autoclaving procedures potentially dangerous to laboratory personnel, b. Glassware and needles used for virus work can be decontaminated of P32 in 2-4 days with hot sodium metaphosphate (Calgonite^R) solutions, c. Simple methods of handling and storing millicurie amounts of P³² in biological materials are described. 2. Radioactive phosphorus is of relatively low toxicity for chick embryos; 500-1000 μc per egg is not lethal in 72 hours. 3. P³² injected into the yolk sac appears in a 100-fold greater concentration in the allantoic fluid than in the amniotic fluid in 24-96 hours. 4. The partition of P³² in the egg fluids is the same for 8-or 9- or 10-day-old embryos with periods of incubation of 24-96 hours following inoculation. 5. Following infection with herpes simplex or vaccinia virus there is a 10-20-fold increase in the amount of P³² appearing in the amniotic fluid. 6. Chorioallantoic membrane plaques, whether virus or mechanically induced, concentrate P³² in their cells.