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MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
Seizures following picornavirus infection
Jane E Libbey1, Nikki J Kirkman, Matthew C P Smith
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132-2305, USA.
Purpose:
We demonstrate the establishment and characterization of a novel virus infection-induced seizure model in C57BL/6 mice.
Methods:
C57BL/6 mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) or mock infected. Mice were followed for seizures, weight change, body temperature, motor function (righting reflex, rotorod) and neurological manifestations (inflammation [perivascular cuffing], pyknotic neurons, transforming growth factor [TGF]-beta expression).
Results:
C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to seizures induced by TMEV infection. Approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice develop transient afebrile seizures. Motor function and coordination are impaired in seized mice. Pyramidal neuron pyknosis and TGF-beta expression correlate with seizure activity in the hippocampus.
Discussion:
The characterization of this model will enable the investigation of viral and immune contributions in the central nervous system to the development of seizure disorders in humans.
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