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Movement disorders in encephalitis induced by Rhodococcus aurantiacus infection relieved by the administration of
1Department of Microbiology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Mice injected with Rhodococcus aurantiacus by the intravenous (i.v.) route show neurological disorders, hemiparesis, vertical headshake and turn-round gait after day 7 postinfection (p.i.). Neurological symptoms caused by i.v. inoculation of R. aurantiacus were relieved by treatment with levodopa (l-dopa). R. aurantiacus was isolated from the brain and was found to be completely eliminated at day 7 p. i. Focal encephalitis was mainly observed in the brain stem, and T cells could be isolated from the brain after day 7 p.i. Administration of both an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and an anti-CD8 mAb suppressed neurological symptoms. These results suggest that R. aurantiacus induces movement disorders in mice, and that the symptoms are mediated by T cells infiltrating the brain, rather than directly by the bacterium.
Insights
Rhodococcus aurantiacus infection in mice causes neurological disorders. These movement disorders are T cell-mediated and can be treated with levodopa (l-dopa).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intravenous inoculation of Rhodococcus aurantiacus (R. aurantiacus) in mice leads to neurological disorders.
- Symptoms include hemiparesis, headshake, and gait abnormalities starting around day 7 postinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism behind R. aurantiacus-induced neurological symptoms.
- To determine the role of T cells and potential therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected intravenously with R. aurantiacus.
- Neurological symptoms were monitored, and levodopa (l-dopa) treatment was administered.
- Bacterial presence in the brain was assessed, along with histological examination for encephalitis.
- T cell populations (CD4+ and CD8+) in the brain were analyzed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Main Results:
- R. aurantiacus was isolated from the brain and cleared by day 7 postinfection.
- Focal encephalitis was observed, primarily in the brain stem.
- T cells were detected in the brain after day 7 postinfection.
- Administration of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 mAbs significantly suppressed neurological symptoms.
Conclusions:
- R. aurantiacus infection induces movement disorders in mice.
- The neurological symptoms are mediated by T cell infiltration into the brain.
- Levodopa (l-dopa) can alleviate these symptoms, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.