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Demyelinating encephalomyelitis induced by a long-term corona virus infection in rats. A preliminary report
Abstract:
About 30% of weanling rats inoculated with JHM virus developed a subacute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (SDE) 3 weeks after inoculation (a.i.). From the remaining animals, 5% displayed overt neurological signs 3, 6, and 8 months a.i. Animals with and without clinical signs 6-8 months a.i. were morphologically examined. Fresh demyelinating lesions could be demonstrated in paralyzed animals. Viral antigen was demonstrated and infectious JHM virus could be recovered from one animal which developed clinical signs at 3 months a.i. In one animal with clinical onset of 8 months a.i. completely remyelinated areas as well as recent demyelinating lesions were observed, suggesting a recurrence of the disease process. Remyelinated areas were also found in 40% of clinically silent animals. The morphology of the late onset of the demyelination was similar to that occurring in SDE. Remyelination consisted of both CNS and PNS-type. This animal model offers the possibility to investigate the virus-host relationship which is responsible for the induction of a demyelinating process after a long incubation period.
Insights
JHM virus infection in rats can cause subacute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (SDE). This study reveals late-onset demyelination and remyelination in a rat model, suggesting disease recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- JHM virus causes demyelinating diseases.
- Subacute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (SDE) is a known outcome.
- The long-term effects and potential for recurrence require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of JHM virus infection in a weanling rat model.
- To characterize late-onset demyelination and remyelination.
- To explore the virus-host interactions leading to chronic demyelinating processes.
Main Methods:
- Weanling rats were inoculated with JHM virus.
- Animals were monitored for neurological signs at various time points post-inoculation.
- Morphological examination of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) was performed.
Main Results:
- 30% of rats developed SDE within 3 weeks.
- 5% showed late-onset neurological signs at 3-8 months.
- Evidence of fresh demyelination, viral antigen, infectious virus, and both CNS/PNS remyelination was observed, suggesting disease recurrence and chronic pathology.
Conclusions:
- The JHM virus rat model exhibits late-onset demyelination and spontaneous remyelination.
- These findings suggest a potential for disease recurrence.
- This model is valuable for studying virus-host dynamics in chronic demyelinating diseases.