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Electron microscopy of mouse thymic virus
R Athanassious1, R Alain, G Lussier
1Institut Armand-Frappier, Centre de Recherche en Sciences Appliqées à l'Alimentation, Laval, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
Thymuses of mice infected with mouse thymic virus (MTV), a herpesvirus, were examined with the electron microscope. Damage was manifested by distortions of cells, nuclei, and other organelles, with cellular aggregation apparent at advanced stages of necrosis. Infected cells also contained MTV particles and filaments. Negative staining showed that naked MTV capsids were icosahedral in shape with diameters ranging from 95 to 110 nm. Enveloped capsids appeared spherical and ranged in diameter from 125 to 165 nm. Immunogold labeling revealed the presence of antigenic sites around both naked and enveloped capsids, and also on the 10 nm filaments. The use of electron microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques as diagnostic tools to demonstrate MTV infection could prove valuable for the detection of the infection and the study of its pathogenesis.
Insights
Mouse thymic virus (MTV) infection causes cellular damage in mouse thymuses. Electron microscopy revealed MTV particles and antigenic sites, aiding in infection diagnosis and pathogenesis study.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mouse thymic virus (MTV) is a herpesvirus that infects mouse thymuses.
- Understanding MTV's impact on thymic tissue is crucial for immunological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the ultrastructural changes in mouse thymuses infected with MTV.
- To identify MTV particles and associated antigens using advanced microscopy techniques.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy (EM) was used to examine infected mouse thymuses.
- Negative staining and immunogold labeling were employed to visualize viral structures and antigenic sites.
Main Results:
- MTV infection induced cellular and organelle distortions, leading to necrosis and aggregation.
- MTV particles, including naked and enveloped capsids of specific sizes, were identified.
- Antigenic sites were detected on viral capsids and 10 nm filaments.
Conclusions:
- Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry are valuable tools for diagnosing MTV infection.
- These techniques facilitate the study of MTV pathogenesis within the thymus.