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Experimental mumps labyrinthitis in monkeys (Macaca irus)--immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies
K Tanaka1, S Fukuda, Y Terayama
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Three monkeys (Macaca irus) were inoculated with mumps virus into unilateral cochleas and their inner ear were examined by immunofluorescent microscopy and transmission electronmicroscopy. The temporal bones were removed after survival period of 14 days when serological tests disclosed elevation of anti-mumps antibody titers. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that the viral antigen was positive in the stria vascularis. The ultrastructural study revealed that the pathologic changes in the cochleas were marked in the organ of Corti and stria vascularis. The outer hair cells were more susceptible to the infection than the inner hair cells. In the stria vascularis, both marginal and intermediate cells were affected. It was possible to find some of marginal cells in the basal turn shedding a large number of mature virions into the endolymph. These pathologic changes observed in the cochleas of the monkeys were similar to those previously revealed in the guinea pig cochleas and thus were considered as the specific features of acute mumps labyrinthitis.
Insights
Mumps virus infection in monkeys affects the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, causing damage to the organ of Corti and stria vascularis. This study identifies key pathological changes in acute mumps labyrinthitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mumps virus can cause neurological complications, including hearing loss.
- The specific pathological mechanisms of mumps virus affecting the inner ear are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological effects of mumps virus infection on the inner ear of non-human primates.
- To characterize the cellular and ultrastructural changes in the cochlea following mumps virus inoculation.
Main Methods:
- Three cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca irus) were inoculated with mumps virus into the cochlea.
- Inner ear tissues were examined using immunofluorescent microscopy and transmission electron microscopy after 14 days.
- Serological tests were performed to confirm viral infection via antibody titers.
Main Results:
- Viral antigens were detected in the stria vascularis using immunofluorescent microscopy.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed significant pathological changes in the organ of Corti and stria vascularis.
- Outer hair cells were more severely affected than inner hair cells; stria vascularis marginal and intermediate cells were also impacted, with some marginal cells shedding virions.
Conclusions:
- Mumps virus infection leads to acute labyrinthitis with characteristic pathological changes in the cochlea.
- The observed changes in monkeys resemble those seen in guinea pigs, supporting their role as specific features of mumps labyrinthitis.
- This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of mumps virus-induced hearing impairment.