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Ultrastructural changes of motoneurons in monkeys infected with enterovirus 71. Brief report
Abstract:
Tissues of the central nervous system (CNS) of cynomolgus monkeys were examined by electron microscopy after intraspinal inoculation of enterovirus 71 (E71). A characteristic finding was the appearance of numerous membrane-bound vesicles (Mbvs) in affected motoneurons. Similar Mbvs were also present in E71-infected cynomolgus monkey kidney (CMK) cells in culture. Virus-like particles were found within or around Mbvs in motoneurons as well as in infected CMK cells in culture. Neither Mbvs nor E71 antigens as detected by immunofluorescence were found in supporting tissues, vascular endothelium, or inflammatory cells. Quite similar findings had been seen in poliovirus infections. It was suggested that the appearance of Mbvs in the cytoplasm of motoneuron is the direct results of virus multiplication in E71 infection as in poliovirus infection.
Insights
Enterovirus 71 (E71) infection in monkeys causes membrane-bound vesicles (Mbvs) in motoneurons, similar to poliovirus. These vesicles appear linked to virus multiplication within the central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Cellular Biology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Enterovirus 71 (E71) is a significant human pathogen.
- E71 can cause severe neurological disease, including brainstem encephalitis.
- The cellular mechanisms of E71 neuroinvasion and pathogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in the central nervous system (CNS) of cynomolgus monkeys infected with E71.
- To characterize the role of membrane-bound vesicles (Mbvs) in E71 infection.
- To compare E71-induced changes with those observed in poliovirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Intraspinal inoculation of E71 into cynomolgus monkeys.
- Electron microscopy examination of CNS tissues and infected cynomolgus monkey kidney (CMK) cells.
- Immunofluorescence staining for E71 antigens.
Main Results:
- Numerous membrane-bound vesicles (Mbvs) were observed in affected motoneurons of infected monkeys.
- Similar Mbvs containing virus-like particles were found in E71-infected CMK cells in culture.
- Mbvs and E71 antigens were not detected in supporting tissues, vascular endothelium, or inflammatory cells.
- Findings were comparable to those seen in poliovirus infections.
Conclusions:
- The appearance of Mbvs in motoneurons is a characteristic finding in E71 infection.
- Mbvs are likely involved in the replication and assembly of E71 virions.
- E71 infection primarily targets motoneurons, similar to poliovirus, suggesting a shared pathogenic mechanism.