Human T-cell leukemia virus I induction by 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine: inhibition by retinoids, L-ascorbic acid, and DL-alpha-tocopherol.

ABSTRACT

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (ldUrd) in the MT-1 cell line. Virus expression was monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy with GIN-14, mouse monoclonal antibodies directed toward Mr 19,000 and Mr 28,000 protein-specific virus polypeptides. MNNG (0.1 micrograms/ml) and ldUrd (50 micrograms/ml) both induced virus synthesis in MT-1 cells. MNNG-induced virus expression peaked between 24 and 48 h of incubation, whereas ldUrd induced maximum virus expression between 48 and 72 h of incubation. Superinduction resulted when MNNG was added to cells induced 48 h previously with ldUrd, but not with concomitant treatment. 13-cis-Retinoic acid, retinol, retinol aldehyde, and retinol acetate (10(-6) to 10(-9)M) were concomitantly added with ldUrd to MT-1 cells for 24, 48, and 72 h incubation. All inhibited virus induction to various degrees. The retinoids were ranked as to inhibitory activity retinol greater than retinoic acid greater than retinol aldehyde greater than retinol acetate. The most sensitive period for inhibiting ldUrd induction by retinoic acid was 24 h postinduction or with concomitant treatment. Vitamin C and vitamin E inhibited ldUrd induction most effectively with 48 h incubation. Retinol and vitamin C also inhibited virus induction by MNNG. None of the retinoids, vitamin C, or vitamin E significantly inhibited virus expression in noninduced cells or were toxic to the cells at the concentrations used in these experiments.