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Observations on encephalomyelitis of mice (DA strain)
Abstract:
A new agent, DA, has been isolated from a spontaneously paralyzed mouse. Its biological properties and the pathology of lesions in experimental infection indicate close relationship with the Theiler group of encephalomyelitis viruses. Serological studies were inconclusive. The intracerebral neutralization test failed to reveal measurable antibody and other routes of inoculation were unsuitable because of low invasiveness of the agent. Repeated vaccination of females did not render their offspring resistant to homologous intracerebral challenge. The occurrence of early viremia is reported following intracerebral inoculation of the DA strain and also the known Theiler strains, 4727, FA, and GD-VII. The pathology of mice experimentally infected with DA and with known members of the Theiler group is described. Attention is called to the demyelinating lesion of the cord in mice surviving for several months and to the persistence of virus in the CNS of such animals. Another characteristic feature of the pathology was the degeneration of ventral nerve roots and in some mice of the peripheral nerves. Similar changes were not seen with strains of Theiler virus other than DA. Spheroidal bodies of undetermined significance were found in the lesions. Finally the occurrence of myositis after intracerebral inoculation, not only mice infected with the DA virus, but also with the 4727 and FA strains, is described and discussed.
Insights
A novel encephalomyelitis virus, DA strain, was identified in mice. It shares characteristics with Theiler viruses but causes unique nerve root and peripheral nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- A novel viral agent, designated DA, was isolated from a spontaneously paralyzed mouse.
- The DA agent exhibits biological properties and lesion pathology suggestive of a close relationship with the Theiler group of encephalomyelitis viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the biological properties and pathological effects of the newly isolated DA agent.
- To compare the DA agent's characteristics with known Theiler strains of encephalomyelitis viruses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of the DA agent from affected mice.
- Experimental infection of mice with the DA agent and Theiler strains (4727, FA, GD-VII).
- Pathological examination of infected mice, including central and peripheral nervous systems, and histological analysis of lesions.
Main Results:
- The DA agent showed early viremia post-intracerebral inoculation, similar to Theiler strains.
- Pathology in DA-infected mice included demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord, degeneration of ventral nerve roots, and peripheral nerve involvement, distinct from other Theiler strains.
- Persistence of virus in the CNS of surviving mice and occurrence of myositis were observed in DA and some Theiler strain infections.
Conclusions:
- The DA agent is closely related to Theiler encephalomyelitis viruses but presents unique neuropathological features, including peripheral nerve and ventral root degeneration.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the significance of spheroidal bodies and the full spectrum of DA virus-induced pathology.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of viral encephalomyelitis and its neuropathogenesis.
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