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Measles virus RNA detected in Paget's disease bone tissue by in situ hybridization
Abstract:
Morphological and immunocytological studies have demonstrated the presence of paramyxovirus antigens in Paget's bone disease tissue and in particular antigens related to measles virus and respiratory syncytial virus. To examine the relationship between measles virus and Paget's bone disease we used in situ hybridization and a cloned measles virus DNA probe specific for the nucleocapsid protein to detect and locate measles virus RNA sequences in Paget's bone tissue. In five patients with the disease, measles virus RNA sequences were detected not only in 80 to 90% of the multinucleated osteoclasts where there is morphological and immunocytological evidence of measles virus activity but also in 30 to 40% of mononucleated bone cells, mainly osteoblasts, osteocytes, fibroblasts and lympho-monocytes. In contrast, no hybridization was observed in bone tissue from three control patients without signs of Paget's bone disease. These results indicate that the host cell range for measles virus in Paget's disease is more widespread than has been supposed. They also demonstrate the usefulness of the in situ hybridization method to detect viral genetic information in cells where viral antigenic activity is not detectable. These observations further support the hypothesis that measles virus is involved in the pathogenesis of Paget's bone disease.
Insights
Measles virus RNA sequences were found in Paget
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Bone Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Previous studies suggested a link between paramyxoviruses, specifically measles virus (MV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Paget's bone disease (PBD).
- Antigens related to MV and RSV have been identified in PBD tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between measles virus and Paget's bone disease.
- To detect and localize measles virus RNA sequences within Paget's bone tissue.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in situ hybridization with a cloned measles virus DNA probe specific for the nucleocapsid protein.
- Analyzed bone tissue samples from five PBD patients and three control individuals.
Main Results:
- Measles virus RNA sequences were detected in 80-90% of multinucleated osteoclasts and 30-40% of mononucleated bone cells (osteoblasts, osteocytes, fibroblasts, lympho-monocytes) in PBD patients.
- No hybridization was observed in bone tissue from control patients.
- Demonstrated the presence of MV RNA in cells beyond osteoclasts, suggesting a broader host cell range.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that measles virus plays a role in the pathogenesis of Paget's bone disease.
- In situ hybridization is effective in detecting viral genetic material even when viral antigenic activity is not apparent.
- Measles virus appears to infect a wider range of bone cells in Paget's disease than previously understood.