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Lymphoid apoptosis in acute canine distemper
Kazuyoshi Kumagai1, Ryoji Yamaguchi, Kazuyuki Uchida
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|March 20, 2004
Summary
Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection causes significant lymphocyte apoptosis in lymphoid tissues, leading to immune suppression. This apoptosis occurs directly or indirectly, contributing to severe lymphoid depletion during infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunopathology
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a significant pathogen affecting dogs.
- Lymphoid tissues are crucial for immune function and are targeted by CDV.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a role in various viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CDV infection and apoptosis in canine lymphoid tissues.
- To determine if CDV directly induces apoptosis in lymphocytes.
- To understand the role of apoptosis in CDV-induced immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Immunostaining for single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and TUNEL assay to detect apoptotic cells.
- Electron microscopy to identify ultrastructural features of apoptosis.
- Classification of lymphoid lesions based on CDV antigen frequency.
Main Results:
- Increased ssDNA and TUNEL-positive cells correlated with CDV antigen load.
- Apoptotic lymphocytes were found even in tissues with low CDV antigen levels.
- Ultrastructural evidence confirmed apoptosis in lymphocytes of CDV-infected dogs.
Conclusions:
- CDV infection induces lymphocytic apoptosis, both directly and indirectly.
- Apoptosis contributes to severe lymphoid depletion and immunosuppression in CDV infection.
- Understanding this mechanism is vital for managing CDV in dogs.