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Lesions induced by encephalomyocarditis virus and coxsackievirus B in newborn mice
Abstract:
Electron microscopic studies of various tissues from virus-infected newborn mice disclosed a consistent form of viral cytonecrotic ultrastructural lesion in divergent types of cells (myocardial, valvular fibroblastic, aortic, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic, and hepatic cells) due to three different picornaviruses (coxsackieviruses B4 and B1 and encephalomyocarditis virus). The lesion is characterized by numerous membrane-vesicle complexes, margination of nuclear chromatin or nuclear pyknosis, dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, inflammation, and, at times, mitochondrial swelling. It seems apparent that the finding of this ultrastructural type of cytonecrosis is characteristic of a picornaviral infection regardless of the tissue involved and the offending member of the picornavirus group.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed a consistent viral cytonecrotic lesion in newborn mice infected with picornaviruses. This ultrastructural damage, seen across various cell types, indicates a characteristic response to picornavirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Picornaviruses are a group of small RNA viruses known to cause a range of diseases in humans and animals.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the ultrastructural cytonecrotic lesions induced by different picornaviruses in various cell types of newborn mice.
- To determine if a consistent ultrastructural lesion pattern exists across different picornaviruses and host tissues.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine tissues from virus-infected newborn mice.
- Tissues examined included myocardial, valvular fibroblastic, aortic, pancreatic (exocrine and endocrine), and hepatic cells.
- Infection was induced by three distinct picornaviruses: coxsackieviruses B4 and B1, and encephalomyocarditis virus.
Main Results:
- A consistent ultrastructural cytonecrotic lesion was observed in multiple cell types.
- Key features of the lesion include membrane-vesicle complexes, nuclear chromatin margination or pyknosis, rough endoplasmic reticulum dilation, inflammation, and occasional mitochondrial swelling.
- These lesions were present in myocardial, valvular fibroblastic, aortic, pancreatic, and hepatic cells.
Conclusions:
- The identified ultrastructural cytonecrosis is characteristic of picornavirus infection.
- This characteristic lesion pattern is independent of the specific picornavirus involved and the affected tissue type.