Document 0133 DOCN M9470133 TI Mechanistic aspects of ascorbate inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus. DT 9409 AU Harakeh S; Niedzwiecki A; Jariwalla RJ; Viral Carcinogenesis and Immunology Program, Linus Pauling; Institute of Science and Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94306. SO Chem Biol Interact. 1994 Jun;91(2-3):207-15. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/94251847 AB We have investigated the molecular basis of the inhibitory effect of ascorbate (vitamin C) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) expression in unstimulated chronically infected and reporter cell lines. Comparison of intracellular HIV RNA and protein patterns of ascorbate-treated cells with corresponding patterns of untreated controls, did not show significant differences in the synthesis or processing of individual viral RNA and polypeptides, indicating that the inhibitory effect of ascorbate is not directed at steps of viral transcription or translation. Enzyme assays on cell extracts showed that the activity of an HIV LTR-directed reporter protein made in ascorbate-treated cells was reduced to approximately 11% relative to that of untreated control. These results, combined with previous observations on the suppression of HIV RT activity, are consistent with a mechanism of action in which ascorbate exerts a posttranslational inhibitory effect on HIV by causing impairment of enzymatic activity. DE beta-Galactosidase/BIOSYNTHESIS Ascorbic Acid/*PHARMACOLOGY Blotting, Northern Cell Line Cell Survival/DRUG EFFECTS Genes, Reporter Human HIV/*DRUG EFFECTS/GENETICS/METABOLISM HIV Long Terminal Repeat/DRUG EFFECTS Reverse Transcriptase/ANTAGONISTS & INHIB RNA, Viral/BIOSYNTHESIS Transcription, Genetic/DRUG EFFECTS Translation, Genetic/DRUG EFFECTS Viral Proteins/BIOSYNTHESIS JOURNAL ARTICLE SOURCE: National Library of Medicine. NOTICE: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).