Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

14.3K

Murine cytomegalovirus myocarditis

J E Craighead1, S A Huber, W B Martin

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.

European Heart Journal
|August 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) causes myocarditis in mice. CD4+ helper T cells are essential for lesion development, indicating a role for delayed hypersensitivity in MCMV-induced heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a common pathogen with tropism for various organs.
  • Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, can be a serious complication of viral infections.
  • The specific immune mechanisms driving MCMV-induced myocarditis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish and characterize a murine model of MCMV-induced myocarditis.
  • To elucidate the role of CD4+ helper T cells in the pathogenesis of MCMV myocarditis.
  • To investigate the potential involvement of delayed hypersensitivity in this disease model.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of MCMV infection in adult male mice.
  • Establishment of a focal myocarditis model characterized by lesions adjacent to infected endothelial cells.
  • Experimental depletion of CD4+ T cells using specific monoclonal antibodies.
  • Repletion of CD4+ T cells in thymectomized, irradiated, and bone-marrow reconstituted mice.

Main Results:

  • Focal myocarditis lesions were observed in MCMV-infected mice.
  • The development of these lesions was dependent on the presence of CD4+ helper T cells.
  • Elimination of CD4+ T cells prevented lesion formation.
  • Repletion with CD4+ T cells restored myocarditis development.

Conclusions:

  • CD4+ helper T cells are critical mediators of MCMV-induced myocarditis.
  • The findings suggest a delayed hypersensitivity response as the likely pathogenetic mechanism.
  • This study provides a valuable model for investigating T cell-mediated viral myocarditis.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse12:24

Noninvasive Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Imaging in the Mouse

Published on: June 20, 2014

9.4K
Quantitative Visualization of Leukocyte Infiltrate in a Murine Model of Fulminant Myocarditis by Light Sheet Microscopy06:49

Quantitative Visualization of Leukocyte Infiltrate in a Murine Model of Fulminant Myocarditis by Light Sheet Microscopy

Published on: May 31, 2017

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
645
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
493
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
343
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
790
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
952
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
102