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Mode of C-type virus production by bone cells of C3H/Fg mice
Abstract:
Electron microscopy of bone from the distal ends of femurs of six 3-month-old male C3H/Fg mice revealed varying modes and quantities of C-type virus production by cells in the preosteoblast to osteocyte developmental gradient. Production occurred by budding from the cell surface, either from very short pedicles or from longer microvillous-like processes. Although apparently absent in preosteoblasts, limited numbers of budding viruses (90-110 nM) were seen in 6 of 53 osteoblasts examined. Examination of 200 osteocytes revealed evidence of virus production in all but eight. In these cells, budding occurred from the cell body and its processes with release of viruses into the pericellular lacunar space. Budding from the longer microvillous-like processes sometimes resulted in binding together of viruses in bead-like fashion by thin strands of limiting membrane. In a few cases budding was also seen on the cell processes within the canaliculi. The quantities of viruses present within the lacunae usually increased with increasing age of the osteocytes, indicating continual virus production. Most of the viruses observed, however, were pre C-types along with lesser numbers of mature C particles. Thus, factors contributing to the production of mature C particles may be diminished in osteocytes of mice at this age.
Insights
C-type virus production was observed in mouse bone cells, primarily osteocytes. Virus levels increased with cell age, though mature C particles were less common than pre-C types.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology
- Virology
- Cell biology
Background:
- C-type retroviruses are known to infect various cell types.
- Bone cells, including osteoblasts and osteocytes, have unique microenvironments.
- Understanding viral production in bone tissue is crucial for studying bone-related diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and modes of C-type virus production in different bone cell types.
- To characterize the developmental stages of virus production from preosteoblasts to osteocytes.
- To analyze the quantities and types of C-type viruses in mouse bone cells.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine bone samples from the distal femurs of C3H/Fg mice.
- Cells were analyzed along the preosteoblast to osteocyte developmental gradient.
- Virus production, morphology, and location within bone cells were documented.
Main Results:
- C-type virus production was observed in osteoblasts and osteocytes, but not preosteoblasts.
- Virus budding occurred from cell surfaces, including microvilli-like processes and cellular extensions within canaliculi.
- Virus production increased with osteocyte age, with predominantly pre-C type viruses observed.
Conclusions:
- Osteocytes are a significant site of C-type virus production in mouse bone.
- The observed virus production suggests active viral replication within the bone microenvironment.
- Diminished production of mature C particles in older osteocytes may indicate regulatory mechanisms.