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Updated: May 1, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Respiratory syncytial virus increases lung cellular bioenergetics in neonatal C57BL/6 mice
Ahmed R Alsuwaidi1, Alia Albawardi2, Saeeda Almarzooqi2
1Departments of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
We have previously reported that lung cellular bioenergetics (cellular respiration and ATP) increased in 4-10 week-old BALB/c mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study examined the kinetics and changes in cellular bioenergetics in ≤ 2-week-old C57BL/6 mice following RSV infection. Mice (5-14 days old) were inoculated intranasally with RSV and the lungs were examined on days 1-10 post-infection. Histopathology and electron microscopy revealed preserved pneumocyte architectures and organelles. Increased lung cellular bioenergetics was noted from days 1-10 post-infection. Cellular GSH remained unchanged. These results indicate that the increased lung cellular respiration (measured by mitochondrial O2 consumption) and ATP following RSV infection is independent of either age or genetic background of the host.

