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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Histopathology of BALB/c mice infected with the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus
1Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
BALB/c mice infected with 10(5) pfu of the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus were examined histopathologically during the subacute stage of infection. Main pathologic changes were observed in the brain, heart (massive myocardial necrosis with subsequent organization (i.e., replacement of necrotic myocardium by connective tissue) and congestion and dilatation of the right ventricle) and pancreas (moderate degranulation of beta-cells resulting in elevation of blood glucose level). The brain lesions were found most frequently in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus and the granular layer of the cerebellum and were characterized by degeneration of neurons containing virus antigens. Perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration, spreading to the adjacent brain tissue, and thrombosis in small vessels were also frequently seen. Focal loss of neurons and gliosis developed later in these lesions.
Insights
Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection in BALB/c mice causes significant brain, heart, and pancreas damage. Histopathology revealed neuronal degeneration, myocardial necrosis, and pancreatic beta-cell degranulation, impacting blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is an RNA virus known to cause various diseases in mammals.
- The D variant of EMCV has been implicated in myocarditis and neurological disorders.
- Understanding the histopathological effects of EMCV infection is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subacute histopathological changes in BALB/c mice infected with the D variant of EMCV.
- To identify the primary organs affected and the nature of the lesions.
- To correlate pathological findings with potential physiological consequences.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with 10(5) plaque-forming units (pfu) of EMCV-D.
- Histopathological examination of brain, heart, and pancreas was performed during the subacute stage of infection.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect viral antigens in affected tissues.
Main Results:
- Significant pathological changes were observed in the brain, heart, and pancreas.
- Brain lesions included neuronal degeneration, mononuclear cell infiltration, and thrombosis, particularly in the hippocampus and cerebellum.
- Heart exhibited massive myocardial necrosis with organization and right ventricle dilatation.
- Pancreas showed moderate degranulation of beta-cells, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Conclusions:
- The D variant of EMCV induces severe, multi-organ pathology in BALB/c mice during the subacute infection phase.
- EMCV infection affects neuronal integrity, cardiac function, and pancreatic islet cells, with implications for neurological and metabolic disturbances.
- Histopathological findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of EMCV-induced disease.
