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Experimental coxsackievirus B3 perimyocarditis in the right ventricle in BALB/c mice: a one-year follow-up study
Abstract:
We described severe perimyocarditis in weanling BALB/c mice inoculated with coxsackievirus B3 (Nancy strain) which was exclusively limited to the right ventricle. Yellowish-white patches were seen on the surface of the right ventricle of the heart on the seventh day through 360th day after inoculation with virus. Following myocardial degeneration and necrosis, marked perimyocardial fibrosis with calcification was observed 90 days after inoculation with virus and persisted through 360th day. Spontaneous pericardial lesions were observed in the right ventricle in a few control mice, but these changes were different in severity and localization from perimyocarditis observed in mice infected with coxsackievirus B3. This animal model may provide an opportunity to study the natural course of perimyocarditis of viral etiology and possible sequel chronic or constrictive pericarditis in humans.
Insights
This study details severe coxsackievirus B3-induced perimyocarditis in mice, primarily affecting the right ventricle. The findings offer a model for studying viral heart disease and its long-term consequences in humans.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Viral infections can cause severe heart inflammation, known as perimyocarditis.
- Coxsackievirus B3 is a known pathogen implicated in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of viral perimyocarditis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel mouse model of coxsackievirus B3-induced perimyocarditis.
- To characterize the pathological changes in the heart following viral inoculation.
- To evaluate the potential of this model for studying chronic sequelae of viral heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Weanling BALB/c mice were inoculated with coxsackievirus B3 (Nancy strain).
- Histopathological examinations were performed at various time points post-inoculation.
- Lesions were assessed for severity and localization, with comparisons to control groups.
Main Results:
- Severe perimyocarditis was observed, predominantly affecting the right ventricle.
- Visible yellowish-white patches appeared on the right ventricle surface from day 7 to day 360.
- Myocardial degeneration, necrosis, fibrosis, and calcification were noted by day 90 and persisted.
- Control mice showed spontaneous pericardial lesions, but distinct from the viral-induced pathology.
Conclusions:
- Coxsackievirus B3 induces a specific perimyocarditis model in BALB/c mice, localized to the right ventricle.
- This model demonstrates progressive fibrosis and calcification, mimicking chronic human heart conditions.
- The developed animal model is suitable for investigating the natural course of viral perimyocarditis and its potential chronic outcomes.