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Ultrastructure of measles virus in cultures of hamster cerebellum
Abstract:
Replication of Edmonston strain of measles virus in cultures of hamster central nervous system tissue was studied by electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. Infected cultures were fixed from 3 hr to 39 days postinoculation (PI). Measles nucleocapsid was first seen within the cytoplasm of giant cells, the latter appearing 5 to 6 days PI. Measles virus particles were most abundant at 10 days PI and appeared to bud off from areas of the cell membrane along which nucleocapsid was aligned. Intranuclear nucleocapsid was more abundant at later stages, and by 39 days PI entire nuclei were seen to be occupied. By this time, the cytoplasmic formations, which had been sequestered by membranes, appeared to lose their regular structure. Budding viral particles at 39 days PI were of a much simplified structure and did not involve the alignment of nucleocapsid about their periphery.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed measles virus replication in hamster central nervous system tissue. Measles virus nucleocapsid initially appeared in cytoplasm, later occupying nuclei, with altered viral structures observed over time.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Measles virus (MeV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding MeV replication in neural tissues is crucial for neurological disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the replication cycle of the Edmonston strain of measles virus in hamster central nervous system (CNS) tissue cultures.
- To characterize the ultrastructural changes during MeV infection using electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Culturing hamster CNS tissue.
- Infection with Edmonston strain measles virus.
- Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections at various time points post-inoculation (3 hr to 39 days).
Main Results:
- Measles nucleocapsid first observed in giant cell cytoplasm 5-6 days post-inoculation (PI).
- Virus particles abundant at 10 days PI, budding from cell membranes.
- Intranuclear nucleocapsid increased over time, filling nuclei by 39 days PI.
- By 39 days PI, cytoplasmic viral structures degraded, and budding particles showed simplified morphology.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus replicates in hamster CNS tissue, progressing from cytoplasmic to intranuclear stages.
- Ultrastructural changes indicate a complex replication and assembly process.
- Late-stage infection is characterized by nuclear viral accumulation and altered virion structure.