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09:05
MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
Disrupted spatial memory is a consequence of picornavirus infection
Eric J Buenz1, Moses Rodriguez, Charles L Howe
1Molecular Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Neurobiology of Disease
|August 22, 2006
Summary
Picornavirus infections can cause hippocampal injury, impairing spatial memory formation in mice. This suggests potential long-term cognitive deficits in humans following central nervous system (CNS) viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Picornaviruses, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, are significant pathogens.
- Some picornaviruses possess neurovirulent potential, capable of inducing hippocampal injury.
- The behavioral consequences of picornavirus-induced hippocampal injury remain under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of picornavirus infection on spatial memory formation.
- To correlate hippocampal injury severity with behavioral deficits.
- To explore potential long-term neurological implications of subclinical CNS viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) to infect C57BL/6J mice.
- Assessed spatial memory formation using the Morris water maze test.
- Quantified hippocampal injury and correlated it with memory performance.
Main Results:
- Virus-infected mice exhibited increased search errors in locating a hidden platform.
- Infected mice failed to discriminate the training quadrant during probe trials, indicating impaired spatial memory.
- A positive correlation was observed between the extent of hippocampal injury and the degree of memory impairment.
Conclusions:
- Picornavirus infection significantly impairs spatial memory formation in a murine model.
- Hippocampal injury resulting from viral infection is directly linked to memory deficits.
- Subclinical picornavirus-induced CNS injury may accumulate over time, potentially leading to cognitive decline in humans.
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