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Dissection of Adult Mouse Utricle and Adenovirus-mediated Supporting-cell Infection
Published on: March 28, 2012
Electron microscopy of HeLa cells infected with adenoviruses
Abstract:
HeLa cells were infected with adenoviruses (types 1-4) and sectioned for electron microscopy after intervals of 20 to 48 hours. Clusters of virus-like particles were found within the nuclei of infected cultures but not in those of uninfected controls. The particles were often arranged in rows as if in crystalline formation. Maximal diameter of particles was approximately 65 mmicro, and internal bodies were demonstrated. Lesions of infected cells included target-like structures of the nuclear membrane, large nuclear vacuoles (type 2), and increased numbers of large irregular electron-dense granules in the cytoplasm 48 hours after infection. Examination of infected cultures by light microscopy, using the Feulgen reaction, showed intranuclear inclusion bodies and a cytopathogenic effect consisting of clumping of cells without pyknosis of nuclei. A lipide stain showed numerous cytoplasmic granules that were not identical with the large, irregular, electron-dense granules of the cytoplasm. Practically all the cells showed the viral cytopathogenic effect, but only a minority of cells were found to contain virus-like particles or intranuclear inclusion bodies.
Insights
Adenoviruses infected HeLa cells, causing virus-like particles and nuclear inclusions visible via electron microscopy. Infected cells exhibited cytopathic effects, including nuclear vacuoles and cytoplasmic granules.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Adenoviruses are common human pathogens.
- Understanding adenovirus interactions with host cells is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in HeLa cells infected with adenoviruses (types 1-4).
- To characterize the morphology and distribution of virus-like particles and cellular lesions.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cells were infected with adenoviruses (types 1-4).
- Cells were examined using electron microscopy at 20-48 hours post-infection.
- Light microscopy with Feulgen reaction and lipid staining was employed.
Main Results:
- Virus-like particles, approximately 65 nm in diameter with internal bodies, were observed in the nuclei of infected cells, often in crystalline arrays.
- Cellular lesions included target-like nuclear membrane structures, nuclear vacuoles, and cytoplasmic granules.
- Light microscopy revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies and cell clumping, with a minority of cells containing visible particles.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus infection induces distinct ultrastructural alterations in HeLa cells.
- The presence of virus-like particles and inclusion bodies correlates with the observed cytopathic effects.
