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Developmental disturbances in the hamster retina caused by a mutant of mumps virus
Abstract:
Newborn hamsters were inoculated intracerebrally with either the neurovirulent Kilham strain of mumps virus or a mutant (M13) strain of this virus. The M13 strain has an alteration in the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein of its envelope and causes a low-grade infection of the brain. Both strains spread consistently to the retina where the Kilham strain caused an extensive necrotizing infection. In contrast, the M13 strain predominantly caused an infection of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with the involvement of scattered neurons in the retina. Only minimal degenerative or inflammatory changes were seen, but at 12 days of age developmental alterations were seen in all eyes. These included stretches with failure of photoreceptor segment development and the formation of folds in the outer nuclear layer. The former changes occurred in areas with loss of RPE cells and the latter generally in connection with displaced pigment-loaded cells from the RPE layer. It is suggested that these retinal alterations are mainly secondary to the RPE infection with the M13 strain.
Insights
Mumps virus infection in newborn hamsters caused retinal damage. A mutant strain primarily infected the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to secondary developmental alterations in photoreceptors and retinal layers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mumps virus can infect the central nervous system.
- Viral infections can impact retinal development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the retinal effects of two mumps virus strains in newborn hamsters.
- To compare the pathogenicity of a wild-type strain versus a mutant strain in the retina.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral inoculation of newborn hamsters with Kilham strain or M13 mutant mumps virus.
- Histopathological examination of retinal tissues at 12 days of age.
Main Results:
- Both strains disseminated to the retina.
- Kilham strain caused extensive necrotizing retinitis.
- M13 strain primarily infected the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), causing secondary photoreceptor and retinal layer developmental defects.
Conclusions:
- The M13 mumps virus mutant causes significant RPE infection.
- Retinal developmental alterations observed are likely secondary to RPE damage caused by the M13 strain.