Virus assays, correlation between

All compounds were assayed against both herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI-3) by using Madin Darby Bovine Kidney and Vero cell lines with the aim to capture structure relationship in each of the compounds. Acyclovir and oseltamivir were used as control agents. Correlation between toxicity on uninfected cells (Vero, MDBK) and antiviral activity of the synthesis compounds were determined in the same microtiter plate. The results of the antiviral study are presented in Table 2. 

Effect of Ascorbate on Cell Metabolism. We addressed the question of whether ascorbate-induced suppression of RT and p24 production in H9/HTLV-IIIb cells was a virus-specific effect or an indirect effect due to inhibition of cellular metabolism or protein synthesis. The metabolic activity of uninfected H9 cells in the presence and absence of ascorbate was determined by using a quantitative colorimetric assay that utilizes the tetrazolium salt MTT (18). MTT is used to measure the activity of various dehydrogenases in viable cells (18, 19). H9 cells grown in the presence of various concentrations of ascorbate (0-150 /tg/ml) showed an increase in cellular metabolic activity on day 1 (Fig. 4). This correlated with stimulation of cell proliferation by ascorbate. On days 2 and 4, no significant change in metabolic activity was noted between control cultures and those exposed to ascorbate at 75,100, and 150 /xg/ml. 

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