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Studies by electron microscopy of thin sections of infectious myxomatosis in rabbits
Abstract:
Rabbits were inoculated with the C.P.M. strain of myxoma virus and the resulting subcutaneous tumors were fixed, embedded, and sectioned for observation with the electron microscope. Both round cells and the typical stellate myxomatous cells were observed in addition to changes in the collagen pattern at the intercellular spaces. The cytoplasm of the cells showed a great number of bodies of varying size and density, the largest of them having the size and other characteristics of the elementary bodies of the virus. Some of the bodies showed an internal structure, being formed by the tight clumping of small dense particles. Distribution curves of the diameter of the elementary bodies and of the smaller internal particles are presented. The morphological problems involved in the virus-host cell relationship are discussed in the case of the myxoma virus.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed myxoma virus elementary bodies within tumor cells of infected rabbits. These bodies showed internal structures, offering insights into virus-host cell interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Myxoma virus causes subcutaneous tumors in rabbits.
- Understanding the virus-host cell relationship is crucial for virology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of myxoma virus-induced tumors using electron microscopy.
- To characterize the morphology of the virus within host cells.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of rabbits with the C.P.M. strain of myxoma virus.
- Fixation, embedding, and sectioning of subcutaneous tumors.
- Observation using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Observed round cells and stellate myxomatous cells in tumors.
- Detected changes in intercellular collagen patterns.
- Identified numerous intracellular bodies, some resembling myxoma virus elementary bodies, with internal structures.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed ultrastructural evidence of myxoma virus within host cells.
- Morphological findings contribute to understanding virus-host interactions in myxomatosis.
