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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Predominance of Auditory But Not Vestibular Deficits in a Mouse Model of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Chi-Chieh Chang1, Ying-Chang Lu1, Po-Nien Tsao2,3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the auditory and vestibular consequences of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in a C57BL/6 mouse model. This model, established via intraperitoneal inoculation, was designed to mimic clinical phenotypes.
Methods:
A cCMV infection model was developed by intraperitoneally inoculating C57BL/6 mice with murine cytomegalovirus. Auditory and vestibular functions were evaluated using auditory brainstem response tests, as well as open field, swim, and rotarod assessments. Histologic analysis of the inner ear was also conducted.
Results:
The study successfully established a cCMV infection model in C57BL/6 mice. Auditory deficits of varying severity and laterality were observed, mirroring the clinical spectrum seen in humans. In contrast, vestibular function was minimally affected and did not correlate with auditory deficits. Histopathologic examination revealed predominant damage to spiral ganglion neurons, while the vestibular organs remained relatively intact.
Conclusion:
Our optimized mouse model effectively recapitulates the inner ear manifestations of human cCMV infection. The predominance of auditory over vestibular deficits provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic interventions for cCMV-related inner ear sequelae.
Insights
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in mice causes significant auditory deficits but minimal vestibular impairment. This model aids in developing treatments for cCMV-related inner ear damage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cCMV-induced inner ear damage is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- Existing animal models often do not fully recapitulate the clinical spectrum of cCMV sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a C57BL/6 mouse model of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection.
- To investigate the auditory and vestibular consequences of cCMV infection in this model.
- To mimic the clinical phenotypes observed in human cCMV infections.
Main Methods:
- Established a cCMV infection model in C57BL/6 mice via intraperitoneal inoculation of murine cytomegalovirus.
- Assessed auditory function using auditory brainstem response (ABR).
- Evaluated vestibular function with open field, swim, and rotarod tests, alongside histopathologic examination of the inner ear.
Main Results:
- Successfully established a reproducible cCMV infection model in mice.
- Observed auditory deficits of varying severity and laterality, mirroring human cCMV cases.
- Found minimal impact on vestibular function, which did not correlate with auditory deficits.
- Histopathology revealed significant damage to spiral ganglion neurons, with relatively preserved vestibular structures.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model accurately reflects the inner ear manifestations of human cCMV infection.
- The model demonstrates a predominance of auditory over vestibular deficits.
- This research provides a valuable platform for developing targeted therapeutic interventions for cCMV-induced inner ear damage.
