Polyamine metabolism in cells infected with herpes simplex virus.

Ifection of LS cells with HSV-1 resulted in an inhibition of spermidine and spermine synthesis from putrescine, possibly through inhibition of host cell protein synthesis. The rate of putrescine uptake increased soon after infection, and later, polyamines were lost from the cells. Inhibition of spermidine and spermine synthesis by methylglyoxal bis (amidinohydrazone) did not affect virus replication.