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Pleomorphic C-type virus particles in bone tissue of strain 101 mice and (C3H X 101)F1 hybrids
Abstract:
The proximal tibial metaphysis of apparently healthy strain 101 mice, 3-4 weeks old, and (C3H X 101)F1 hybrids, 3-48 weeks old, was studied by electron microscopy. Budding, immature, and mature (C-type virus particles were found within trabecular bone tissue of 3 of 8 strain 101 and 4 of 12 (C3H X 101)F1 mice. The particles were most common in lacunae of aging osteocytes and were only occasionally associated with osteoblasts. Although the morphology of budding and immature particles appeared to be identical with that of typical C-type viruses, most of the mature forms of particles showed atypical structure and size. The electron-dense core was very large and not clearly defined, measuring approximately 70-130 nm in diameter. This diffuse core sometimes completely filled the space within the envelope of the particles. The diameters of the pleomorphic mature C-type particles ranged from approximately 90 to 150 nm. The possible association between the production of pleomorphic C-type virus particles by bone cells and spontaneous osteomagenesis in 101 and (C3H X 101)F1 mice is discussed.
Insights
Researchers discovered C-type virus particles in mouse bone tissue, with mature forms showing unusual size and structure. This finding suggests a potential link to spontaneous osteomagenesis in these mice.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Virology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- C-type retroviruses are known oncogenic agents.
- Osteomagenesis is a complex bone formation process.
- The role of viruses in bone development and disease is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and morphology of C-type virus particles in the proximal tibial metaphysis of mice.
- To explore the potential association between these viral particles and spontaneous osteomagenesis.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine bone tissue from strain 101 mice and (C3H X 101)F1 hybrids.
- Samples were collected from mice aged 3-4 weeks and 3-48 weeks.
- Viral particles were identified and characterized based on morphology and location within bone tissue.
Main Results:
- C-type virus particles, including budding, immature, and mature forms, were detected in the trabecular bone of both mouse strains.
- Particles were most frequently observed in aging osteocyte lacunae.
- Mature viral particles exhibited atypical morphology, with large, diffuse cores and variable sizes (90-150 nm).
Conclusions:
- The study identified C-type virus particles in mouse bone, with distinct atypical features in mature forms.
- The presence of these particles, particularly in aging osteocytes, warrants further investigation.
- A potential association between these pleomorphic C-type virus particles and spontaneous osteomagenesis in mice is proposed.