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Limbic encephalitis after inhalation of a murine coronavirus
E Lavi1, P S Fishman, M K Highkin
1Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
Abstract:
The spread of a neurotropic coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59, in the mouse central nervous system was studied after intranasal inoculation. Mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 spread during the 3- to 5-day postinoculation period, through the olfactory pathway into the limbic system. Coronavirus particles were detected in the limbic system by electron microscopy. The combination of temporal propagation through an anatomical-physiological central nervous system pathway and anatomical restriction of viral infection suggests that specific interneuronal transport is important in spread of the virus. This experimental system may represent a model for diseases associated with human coronaviruses (common cold viruses) and/or the human limbic system.
Insights
Mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 spreads to the limbic system via the olfactory pathway within days. This neurotropic coronavirus spread highlights interneuronal transport importance in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neurotropic viruses can infect the central nervous system (CNS).
- Understanding viral spread within the CNS is crucial for developing treatments.
- Mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59) is a neurotropic coronavirus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spread of MHV-A59 in the mouse CNS after intranasal inoculation.
- To identify the pathway and timing of viral dissemination.
- To explore the potential of this model for human coronavirus diseases.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of mice with MHV-A59.
- Monitoring viral spread over a 3- to 5-day postinoculation period.
- Detection of coronavirus particles using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- MHV-A59 spread from the initial inoculation site through the olfactory pathway.
- The virus reached the limbic system within 3 to 5 days.
- Coronavirus particles were visualized in the limbic system via electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Temporal and anatomical patterns suggest specific interneuronal transport in viral spread.
- The mouse model provides insights into neurotropic coronavirus pathogenesis.
- This system may serve as a model for human coronaviruses and limbic system disorders.