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Replication of rat virus in neonatal calvaria in culture
G S Schuster1, N L O'Dell, J T Wilson
1Department of Oral Biology and Dental Research Center, Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry Augusta 30912-1126.
Insights
Rat Virus (RV) readily replicates in neonatal rodent skull bones and sutures in vitro. This parvovirus localizes to cells crucial for skull development, potentially explaining its observed developmental disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Developmental Biology
- Craniofacial Research
Background:
- Rat Virus (RV) is a rodent parvovirus known to cause developmental abnormalities in the head and face of neonates.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of RV infection is crucial for comprehending its teratogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the replication of Rat Virus in neonatal rodent calvariae in vitro.
- To determine the specific cellular locations of RV replication within the developing skull.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal rodent calvariae were isolated within 1 day of birth and cultured for up to 7 days.
- Infection with RV was performed, and viral titers were determined in bone and supernatant.
- In situ hybridization using strand-specific probes identified the cellular sites of viral replication.
Main Results:
- Rat Virus demonstrated efficient replication in isolated calvarial tissues, achieving high titers (nearly 10(7) PFU/ml).
- Replication sites were identified within the calvarial bones, sutures, and associated cartilages of the neurocranium.
- These locations include cells vital for normal skull growth and development.
Conclusions:
- Rat Virus actively replicates within the cellular components of the neonatal rodent skull.
- The localization of RV replication in osteogenic and chondrogenic cells provides a potential mechanism for its observed craniofacial developmental disturbances.
Abstract:
Rat Virus, a parvovirus of rodents that produces a variety of developmental disturbances of the head and face in neonatal animals, was examined for its ability to replicate in neonatal calvariae in vitro. The bones were isolated and infected with RV within 1 d of birth and cultured for up to 7 d. Virus from the bones and supernatant was titered, and the cellular location of replication determined using in situ hybridization. The virus readily replicated in the isolated bony tissues, reaching titers of nearly 10(7) plaque-forming units/ml. Using viral and complementary strand-specific probes, replication sites were located in the sutures and calvarial bones, as well as in cartilages thought to be part of the neurocranium. Results suggest that the virus localizes and replicates in cells necessary for the normal growth and development of the skull.