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Cytomegalovirus infection of murine testicular interstitial Leydig cells
Abstract:
We studied the susceptibility of mouse testicular interstitial Leydig cells to cytomegalovirus both in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo studies included intratesticular and intraperitoneal infection of 6-week-old mice with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV); the in vitro studies involved an MCMV-Leydig cell interaction using a Leydig tumor cell line (I-10). MCMV-specific antigens were detected in interstitial Leydig cells in sections of MCMV-inoculated testes by an indirect immunofluorescence test. MCMV DNA was also localized in the same testes cells derived from mice, which received intratesticular and intraperitoneal MCMV inoculations, respectively, by in situ DNA-RNA hybridization. Cytopathic effects were seen in MCMV-infected I-10 cell cultures 2 or more days after exposure to MCMV. The infected cells showed intranuclear inclusions characteristic of cytomegalovirus when stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain. The indirect immunofluorescence test was also positive with MCMV-infected I-10 cells. MCMV DNA was detected in these cells by in situ DNA-RNA cytohybridization, and the presence of viral particles in MCMV-infected I-10 cells was confirmed by electron microscopy. Thus, we conclude that the interstitial Leydig cell is susceptible to MCMV infection both in vivo and in vitro.
Insights
Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) can infect mouse Leydig cells. Studies show MCMV infects these testicular cells both within the mouse and in laboratory cell cultures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leydig cells are crucial for testosterone production in the testes.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can have widespread effects, but their impact on Leydig cells is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of mouse testicular interstitial Leydig cells to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection.
- To determine if MCMV can infect Leydig cells in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies involved intratesticular and intraperitoneal MCMV infection in mice.
- In vitro studies used MCMV and a mouse Leydig tumor cell line (I-10).
- Detection methods included immunofluorescence, in situ DNA-RNA hybridization, May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining, and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- MCMV antigens and DNA were detected in testicular interstitial Leydig cells from infected mice.
- Cytopathic effects, intranuclear inclusions, and MCMV DNA were observed in MCMV-infected I-10 Leydig cells.
- Viral particles were confirmed in infected Leydig tumor cells via electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Mouse testicular interstitial Leydig cells are susceptible to MCMV infection.
- MCMV can infect Leydig cells both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a potential impact on testicular function.