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Recurrent demyelination in chronic central nervous system infection produced by Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis
Abstract:
A morphologic study of demyelination produced by Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection in C3H/He mice was performed. Demyelination in this strain of mouse was less intense and had a milder gliomesodermal response than that observed in SJL mice. As early as 80 days after infection numerous remyelinated axons were present in C3H/He mice, and later, extensive remyelination was observed and was mainly by Schwann cells. About one-third of remyelinated plaques showed recurrent demyelinating activity at 200 days. The best evidence of recurrent demyelination was the loss of myelin by abons which had been previously remyelinated by Schwann cells. In addition, acute areas of demyelination were also seen in spinal cords which contained chronic or quiescent plaques. The demonstration of recurrent demyelination in TMEV infection is important for it increases the relevance of this model to multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition TMEV infection of C3H/He mice appears to be an excellent model for further studies of Schwann cell remyelination and recurrent demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS).
Insights
Theiler
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Theiler's encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection is a model for demyelinating diseases.
- C3H/He mice exhibit distinct responses to TMEV compared to other strains like SJL mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphologic characteristics of demyelination and remyelination in C3H/He mice following TMEV infection.
- To evaluate the potential of this model for studying recurrent demyelination and Schwann cell-mediated remyelination in the central nervous system (CNS).
Main Methods:
- Morphologic analysis of spinal cord tissues from C3H/He mice infected with TMEV.
- Histopathological examination to assess demyelination, gliomesodermal response, and remyelination by Schwann cells.
Main Results:
- C3H/He mice showed less intense demyelination and milder gliomesodermal response compared to SJL mice.
- Extensive Schwann cell-mediated remyelination was observed, with recurrent demyelinating activity noted in about one-third of plaques.
- Acute demyelination coexisted with chronic plaques, indicating recurrent disease activity.
Conclusions:
- TMEV infection in C3H/He mice demonstrates recurrent demyelination, enhancing its relevance as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- This model is valuable for studying Schwann cell remyelination and recurrent demyelination within the CNS.