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Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: May 12, 2023
A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO VITAMIN C THERAPY IN EXPERIMENTAL POLIOMYELITIS
1Department of Bacteriology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
Abstract:
1. Multiple paralytic doses of poliomyelitis virus (RMV strain), when brought together with small amounts of synthetic ascorbic acid in vitro, are rendered non-infectious as determined by intracerebral injection of such mixtures into rhesus monkeys. 2. Vitamin C administration to monkeys infected intranasally with the RMV strain produces results which differ in accordance with the technique employed for nasal instillation. With an infection of maximum severity, induced by flooding the nasal portal of entry with large amounts of virus, vitamin C administration fails to exert any demonstrable influence on the course of the disease. With a less forceful method of droplet instillation, the picture of the disease in control animals becomes so variable that the results cannot be easily interpreted; but the available data suggest that vitamin C treatment may be a factor in converting abortive attacks into an altogether non-paralytic infection. 3. The administration of synthetic vitamin C to monkeys infected intracerebrally with small doses of the RMV strain gives results comparable to those previously obtained with this substance in monkeys infected intracerebrally with the Aycock strain of poliomyelitis virus. 4. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Insights
Synthetic ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) inactivates poliovirus in vitro. In vivo, Vitamin C shows potential in preventing paralytic polio in monkeys, particularly with less severe infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Poliomyelitis virus poses a significant public health threat.
- The potential therapeutic effects of Vitamin C on viral infections are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of synthetic ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on poliomyelitis virus (RMV strain).
- To determine if Vitamin C can prevent or mitigate poliomyelitis in a primate model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro inactivation of poliomyelitis virus with synthetic ascorbic acid.
- Intracerebral and intranasal administration of virus and Vitamin C to rhesus monkeys.
- Assessment of infectivity and disease course through intracerebral injection and observation.
Main Results:
- Synthetic ascorbic acid rendered poliomyelitis virus non-infectious in vitro.
- Vitamin C administration showed variable effects in vivo, with potential to convert abortive polio to non-paralytic infections in less severe intranasal exposure models.
- No demonstrable influence on severe intranasal infections was observed.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic ascorbic acid demonstrates in vitro antiviral properties against poliomyelitis virus.
- Vitamin C may offer a protective effect against poliomyelitis, particularly in specific infection scenarios.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of Vitamin C in viral diseases.
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