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Published on: May 29, 2020
Acute hepatitis associated with mouse leukemia. I. Pathological features and transmission of the disease
Abstract:
On four occasions a naturally occurring mouse leukemia, which was maintained by serial passage in weanlings of the Princeton strain, was superseded by a syndrome typical of acute hepatitis. Once initiated, the disease was regularly transmissible by the injection of liver suspensions of sick mice. It was also passed, though irregularly, by feeding such suspensions, and it also followed cannibalism. The course of the disease after intraperitoneal injection of liver suspensions into normal weanlings was commonly less than 7 days and the mortality rate nearly 100 per cent. Focal or diffuse necrosis of the liver was the only constant lesion at autopsy. On recovery, which occurred only in exceptional cases, cirrhosis was often found. The primary source of the disease was undetermined. Latent carriage by healthy mice was not detectable on direct examination nor by the serial passage of suspensions of normal livers.
Insights
A novel transmissible hepatitis emerged in mice, replacing leukemia. This acute liver disease caused nearly 100% mortality, with liver necrosis as the primary symptom.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Mouse Models
Background:
- A naturally occurring mouse leukemia was being studied.
- The leukemia was unexpectedly replaced by a severe liver disease syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel, transmissible acute hepatitis in mice.
- To investigate the transmission routes and pathological findings of this emergent disease.
Main Methods:
- Serial passage of liver suspensions from affected mice into healthy weanlings.
- Observation of disease progression, mortality rates, and pathological lesions.
- Investigation of transmission via injection, feeding, and cannibalism.
Main Results:
- The disease was regularly transmissible via intraperitoneal injection of liver suspensions, with a mortality rate near 100% and a course of less than 7 days.
- Transmission was also observed, though irregularly, through feeding and cannibalism.
- The consistent autopsy finding was focal or diffuse liver necrosis; cirrhosis was common in survivors.
Conclusions:
- A highly virulent, transmissible acute hepatitis emerged in a mouse model, distinct from the original leukemia.
- The disease's primary source and potential for latent carriage in healthy mice remain undetermined.
- Further research is needed to identify the causative agent and understand its pathogenesis.
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