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Latency of mouse cytomegalovirus in sciatic nerve
I Abols-Mantyh1, L Siegel, M A Verity
1Department of Neurology, Reed Neurological Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Neurology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
This study models virus-induced peripheral neuropathy using mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV). MCMV infects cultured Schwann cells but establishes latency in intact sciatic nerves, contrasting cell permissiveness with nerve latency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating condition with diverse etiologies.
- The role of viral infections in peripheral nerve damage requires further elucidation.
- Schwann cells are crucial for peripheral nerve function and myelination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a mammalian model for studying viral-induced peripheral neuropathy.
- To investigate the replication and latency of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in the peripheral nervous system.
- To compare MCMV behavior in cultured Schwann cells versus intact sciatic nerves.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of primary Schwann cells.
- Intraperitoneal inoculation and direct intraneural injection of MCMV in a murine model.
- Viral replication assays (infectious virus titration, antigen detection).
- Explant cultures to assess viral latency at various time points postinfection.
Main Results:
- Cultured Schwann cells supported permissive replication of MCMV.
- Intraperitoneal MCMV inoculation infrequently resulted in sciatic nerve infection.
- Direct intraneural MCMV injection led to detectable virus and antigen at 4 days postinfection (pi).
- Infectious MCMV was undetectable by 4–8 weeks pi, but latency was confirmed by reactivation from nerve explant cultures.
Conclusions:
- A murine model effectively demonstrates MCMV interaction with the peripheral nervous system.
- Schwann cells exhibit permissiveness to MCMV in vitro, yet the intact nerve environment promotes viral latency.
- These findings highlight differential viral dynamics within the peripheral nerve, impacting our understanding of virus-associated neuropathies.