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Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
Published on: July 24, 2016
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Neonatal influenza infection causes pathological changes in the mouse brain
Ji Eun Yu, Minsoo Kim, Jong-Hwan Lee
1Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 143-729, Korea. ssnahm@konkuk.ac.kr.
Veterinary Research
|June 12, 2014
Summary
Influenza A virus rapidly infects the neonatal mouse brain via the bloodstream, causing widespread neuropathological changes. This study reveals early viral detection and inflammation in multiple brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza A virus is linked to diverse central nervous system complications.
- Understanding early viral brain entry and pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the route and pathological consequences of early influenza virus infection in the neonatal mouse brain.
- To identify brain regions affected and cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal mice were infected intraperitoneally with Influenza A virus.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used for detection.
- Analysis of viral spread, cell death, gliosis, and cytokine expression.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus was detected in the brain as early as 1 day post-infection (dpi), peaking at 5 dpi.
- Viral antigens were found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem.
- Apoptosis, gliosis, and increased proinflammatory cytokines were observed in infected areas.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A virus can effectively infect broad brain regions in neonatal mice.
- The virus may enter the brain via the hematogenous route, potentially through cerebrospinal fluid and ventricles.
- Early influenza infection induces significant neuropathological changes.
