Inactivation of herpes simplex virus by a pregnene derivative (TX 3047).

1. Two strains of independently purified Herpes simplex virus type 1 were irreversibly inactivated after incubation with the pregnene derivative methyl-p-toluene sulphonate of diethylamino-3-beta-ethoxy-20-hydroxy-pregn-5-ene (TX 3047) in vitro. 2. RNA and DNA synthesis (both cellular and viral) were studied in the presence of TX 3047. Viral and cellular DNA synthesis but not viral RNA synthesis was reduced. 3. Formation of infectious particles was not affected by TX 3047 if the parental virus was absorbed to the cell before it was incubated with TX 3047. This suggests that TX 3047 acts at the level of the membrane.