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Published on: November 13, 2010
Interactions of preimplantation mouse embryos with reovirus serotypes 1 and 3
Abstract:
Mouse two-cell embryos were infected in vitro with reovirus serotypes 1/Lang and 3/Dearing, and the embryos were either implanted into pseudopregnant mice or observed in vitro for cytopathic effects. The reovirus serotypes 1/Lang and 3/Dearing differed in their capacity to kill embryos in vitro and in vivo: when embryos were infected in vitro with reovirus serotype 1/Lang and then transferred to foster mothers, pups resulted only at multiplicities of infection of a few particles per embryo. In contrast, infection of embryos with as much as 6 X 10(4) reovirus type 3 particles per embryo resulted in viable pups. In vitro, reovirus serotype 1/Lang was more virulent than serotype 3/Dearing. The infection of ovum with reovirus offers a unique model for the study of congenital infection and should yield important information concerning the molecular basis of virus virulence to maturing fetuses.
Insights
Reovirus serotype 1/Lang is more virulent than type 3, causing embryo death at lower doses. This study uses reovirus-infected mouse embryos to model congenital infections and study virus virulence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Reoviruses are common human pathogens.
- Congenital viral infections can have severe developmental consequences.
- Understanding virus-host interactions at the embryonic stage is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the virulence of reovirus serotypes 1/Lang and 3/Dearing in early mouse embryos.
- To establish a model for studying congenital reovirus infection and its effects on fetal development.
- To investigate the molecular basis of reovirus virulence in the context of embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- In vitro infection of mouse two-cell embryos with reovirus serotypes 1/Lang and 3/Dearing.
- In vitro observation of embryos for cytopathic effects.
- In vivo transfer of infected embryos into pseudopregnant mice to assess pup viability.
- Varying multiplicities of infection to determine lethal doses.
Main Results:
- Reovirus serotype 1/Lang demonstrated higher virulence, causing pup mortality at low multiplicities of infection (few particles/embryo).
- Reovirus serotype 3/Dearing was less virulent, with viable pups resulting even at high multiplicities (6 x 10^4 particles/embryo).
- In vitro, serotype 1/Lang exhibited greater cytopathic effects than serotype 3/Dearing.
Conclusions:
- Reovirus serotype virulence significantly impacts embryonic survival and development.
- Infected mouse embryos provide a valuable model for studying congenital infections and virus virulence.
- This model can yield insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fetal viral pathogenesis.
