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Papovaviral sialoadenitis in athymic nude rats
J M Ward1, A Lock, M J Collins
1Tumor Pathology and Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701, USA.
Laboratory Animals
|January 1, 1984
Summary
A wasting disease in athymic nude rats was linked to a polyomavirus infection. This virus caused parotid sialoadenitis and other respiratory lesions, identified using immunoperoxidase techniques.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Athymic nude rats are commonly used models in biomedical research.
- Wasting diseases can significantly impact animal health and research outcomes.
- Identifying the causative agents of disease in research animals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of a wasting disease observed in a colony of athymic nude rats.
- To characterize the pathological findings and identify the infectious agent responsible.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected rats.
- Electron microscopy to visualize viral particles.
- Avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) immunoperoxidase technique using antibodies against SV40 virus.
Main Results:
- Affected rats exhibited parotid sialoadenitis with intranuclear inclusions, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
- Viral particles consistent with polyomavirus were observed in the nucleus of parotid epithelial cells.
- Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed the presence of SV40 viral antigen in inclusions within the parotid, lung, and Harderian glands.
Conclusions:
- The wasting disease in these athymic nude rats was associated with polyomavirus (SV40) infection.
- Polyomavirus can cause significant pathology in the salivary glands and respiratory tract of these animals.
- This finding highlights the importance of monitoring for viral infections in immunodeficient rodent models.