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Transmissible mink encephalopathy: experimental transmission to the squirrel monkey
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 11, 1970
Abstract:
A progressive, fatal spongiform encephalopathy developed in three squirrel monkeys 11 months after inoculation with primate-passaged transmissible mink encephalopathy agent. The clinical symptoms and histopathologic and electron microscopic findings suggest that this naturally occurring disease of mink has been transmitted experimentally to squirrel monkeys.
Insights
Transmissible mink encephalopathy agent caused a fatal spongiform encephalopathy in squirrel monkeys. This suggests the mink disease can be transmitted to primates, confirmed by clinical and microscopic findings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Prion Diseases
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a fatal prion disease affecting mink.
- Prion diseases can potentially cross species barriers, affecting new hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experimental transmission of transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) to squirrel monkeys.
- To characterize the resulting neuropathological changes in non-human primates.
Main Methods:
- Three squirrel monkeys were inoculated with primate-passaged TME agent.
- Clinical observations, histopathology, and electron microscopy were used for analysis.
Main Results:
- All inoculated squirrel monkeys developed a progressive, fatal spongiform encephalopathy.
- The disease onset occurred approximately 11 months post-inoculation.
- Clinical and pathological findings were consistent with prion disease.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the experimental transmission of TME from mink to squirrel monkeys.
- This highlights the potential for cross-species transmission of TME to non-human primates.
- Spongiform encephalopathy in primates can be caused by the TME agent.