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Papillomas and carcinomas associated with a papillomavirus in European harvest mice (Micromys minutus)
J P Sundberg1, M K O'Banion, A Shima
1Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME.
Abstract:
Papillomaviruses, group-specific papillomavirus antigens, or extrachromosomal papillomavirus DNA were detected in cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and pulmonary tumors affecting a colony of European harvest mice (Micromys minutus). Skin lesions were classified as acanthomatous hyperplasia, epidermal inclusion cysts, squamous papillomas, inverted papillomas, trichoepitheliomas, and sebaceous carcinomas. Cutaneous horns (hyperkeratotic papillomas) were on mucocutaneous junctions of one animal. One mouse, with a cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma, had multiple pulmonary keratinaceous cysts. Papillomavirus antigens, detected by the avidin-biotin technique, were in 20 of 31 lesions tested. In contrast, by Southern blot hybridization all 28 lesions tested contained papillomavirus DNA. Papillomavirus DNA was demonstrated in two of ten benign cutaneous lesions by in situ hybridization.
Insights
Papillomaviruses were detected in tumors of European harvest mice, with DNA found in all tested lesions. This study identifies papillomavirus as a cause of diverse skin and lung tumors in this rodent species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillomaviruses are known oncogenic agents in various species.
- Tumors in European harvest mice (Micromys minutus) have not been extensively studied for viral etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of papillomaviruses in spontaneous tumors affecting a colony of European harvest mice.
- To characterize the types of lesions associated with papillomavirus infection.
Main Methods:
- Detection of papillomavirus antigens using the avidin-biotin technique.
- Identification of papillomavirus DNA via Southern blot hybridization and in situ hybridization.
- Histopathological classification of cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and pulmonary tumors.
Main Results:
- Papillomavirus DNA was detected in all 28 lesions examined by Southern blot hybridization.
- Papillomavirus antigens were identified in 20 out of 31 tested lesions.
- Various skin lesions, including papillomas and carcinomas, as well as pulmonary cysts, were associated with papillomavirus.
Conclusions:
- Papillomaviruses are implicated in the development of a wide spectrum of tumors in European harvest mice.
- The presence of papillomavirus DNA in both benign and malignant lesions highlights its oncogenic potential in this species.