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Viral-induced astrocytomas in squirrel monkeys.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) are susceptible to John Cunningham virus (JCV) oncogenesis, developing cerebral astrocytomas after inoculation. This study confirms JCV
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Primate models
- Viral oncogenesis
Background:
- John Cunningham virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus known to cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and has been implicated in oncogenesis.
- Previous studies demonstrated JCV's oncogenic potential in owl monkeys, another New World primate species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of Saimiri sciureus (squirrel monkeys) to the oncogenic effects of JCV.
- To characterize the resulting cerebral tumors in inoculated squirrel monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral inoculation of Saimiri sciureus with JCV.
- Tumor development monitoring over a 14 to 30-month incubation period.
- Histopathological examination of developed cerebral tumors.
Main Results:
- Four out of six JCV-inoculated squirrel monkeys developed cerebral tumors.
- Tumor types included three grade 4 astrocytomas and one poorly differentiated astrocytoma.
- All tumors exhibited high cellularity, mitotic figures, cellular pleomorphism, and multinucleated giant cells. Neovascularization was prominent in grade 4 astrocytomas.
Conclusions:
- Saimiri sciureus is susceptible to JCV-induced cerebral tumors, specifically astrocytomas.
- This finding in a second New World monkey species reinforces JCV's oncogenicity in nonhuman primates.
- The study contributes to understanding viral oncogenesis and potential primate models for brain tumor research.