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Detection and localization of aleutian disease virus and its antigens in vivo by immunoferritin technique
Abstract:
Tissues from mink infected with aleutian disease virus were examined by the electron microscope for the presence of virus particles. Virus-like particles, measuring 22 nm in diameter, were observed in macrophages of spleen, mesenteric lymph node and in Kupffer cells in liver of mink ten to 13 days after infection. The virus-like particles were usually present in vacuoles inside the cytoplasm of macrophages and Kupffer cells and, occasionally, similar particles were observed inside the nucleus. Cells from uninfected mink did not contain such patricles. To correlate the existence of these virus-like particles with the presence of aleutian disease virus antigen in infected cells, tissues were processed for immunoferritin technique. It was found that aleutian disease virus antigen was present in vacuoles inside the cytoplasm of cells from the infected spleen, lymph node and liver, and that the location was similar to that of the 22 nm virus-like particles. In addition, some viral antigen was also detected as cytoplasmic granular material. The nuclei of some cells also contained aleutian disease virus antigen. The pattern of aleutian disease virus antigen was similar to the distribution of virus-like particles in cells of infected tissue. It is suggested that virus replication occurs inside the nucleus with subsequent accumulation of virus in the vacuoles of the cytoplasm.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed 22 nm virus-like particles in mink tissues infected with Aleutian disease virus (ADV). These particles and ADV antigen co-localized in cell cytoplasm and nuclei, suggesting nuclear replication.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Aleutian disease virus (ADV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in mink.
- Understanding the cellular localization and replication sites of ADV is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize virus-like particles in ADV-infected mink tissues using electron microscopy.
- To correlate the presence of these particles with ADV antigen distribution within infected cells.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine tissues from ADV-infected mink.
- Immunoferritin technique was employed to detect ADV antigen within infected cells.
- Tissues analyzed included spleen, mesenteric lymph node, and liver.
Main Results:
- Virus-like particles (22 nm diameter) were observed in macrophages and Kupffer cells 10-13 days post-infection.
- These particles were found in cytoplasmic vacuoles and occasionally within the nucleus.
- ADV antigen distribution mirrored the location of virus-like particles, present in cytoplasmic vacuoles and nuclei.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that virus-like particles observed are consistent with ADV.
- The co-localization of viral antigen and particles in both cytoplasm and nucleus indicates potential viral replication within the nucleus.
- Accumulation of the virus in cytoplasmic vacuoles may follow nuclear replication.