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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Splenic necrosis in mice infected with cytomegalovirus
Abstract:
Necrosis of the spleen is seen in mice of certain strains after injection of large doses of murine cytomegalovirus. Necrosis begins in perifollicular areas containing infected cells which do not appear to be macrophages, and in severe cases the entire spleen is involved. Necrosis is first visible three days after infection and is not prevented by treatment of mice with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or theta antiserum. There is a striking loss of nucleated cells from the spleen at two to four days after infection, in the absence of splenic necrosis. The pathogenesis of splenic necrosis, which is seen also in certain other viral infections, remains unexplained.
Insights
Murine cytomegalovirus infection causes spleen necrosis in mice, starting in perifollicular areas. This viral-induced splenic necrosis is not prevented by common immunosuppressive treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Splenic necrosis is a pathological finding observed in certain viral infections.
- Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) can induce significant pathology in susceptible mouse strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of splenic necrosis induced by murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection.
- To determine the onset, progression, and potential preventative measures for MCMV-induced splenic necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Mice of susceptible strains were infected with high doses of MCMV.
- Spleens were examined for necrosis and cellular changes at various time points post-infection.
- Mice were treated with corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or theta antiserum to assess preventative effects.
Main Results:
- Splenic necrosis was observed in susceptible mice following MCMV infection, beginning three days post-infection.
- Necrosis initiated in perifollicular areas with infected cells, not identified as macrophages.
- Severe cases involved the entire spleen; necrosis was not prevented by the tested treatments.
- A significant loss of nucleated splenic cells occurred two to four days post-infection, independent of visible necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Murine cytomegalovirus infection leads to splenic necrosis in specific mouse strains.
- The precise mechanism driving MCMV-induced splenic necrosis remains to be elucidated.
- The observed splenic cell loss highlights a significant host response to MCMV infection.
