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Wild mouse retrovirus-induced neurogenic paralysis in laboratory mice. I. Virus replication and expression in central
Abstract:
Ecotropic wild mouse retrovirus (1504 M)-induced neurogenic paralytic disease has been studied in inbred strains of mice. The major criterion for the successful transmission of the disease in the laboratory strains of mice is inoculation of high titer ecotropic virus in FV-1n strains of mice at newborn stage (less than or equal to 1 day old), Hybridization studies using 1504 M viral cDNA as probe indicate that in nonparalyzed mice, the inoculated virus replicates primarily in spleen tissue, whereas virus replication is evident in both spleen and central nervous system (CNS) tissue of paralyzed mice. Our studies on virus gene expression indicate that both viral gag gene product p30 and env gene product gp70 are expressed in brain, spinal cord and spleen tissues of paralyzed mice. Together, these results indicate that inoculation of neurotropic wild mouse virus into FV-1n strains of newborn laboratory mice is necessary for the establishment of infection in CNS tissue leading to virus replication and expression and resulting in the paralytic disease.
Insights
Newborn FV-1n mice infected with ecotropic wild mouse retrovirus develop paralytic disease. Virus replication in the central nervous system (CNS) and gene expression are key to disease development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Ecotropic wild mouse retrovirus (1504 M) causes neurogenic paralytic disease.
- Disease transmission in laboratory mice requires specific conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of 1504 M-induced neurogenic paralytic disease.
- To identify factors influencing viral replication and gene expression in susceptible mice.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of high-titer ecotropic virus into newborn FV-1n mice.
- Hybridization studies using 1504 M viral cDNA.
- Analysis of viral gene expression (gag and env products).
Main Results:
- Virus replicates in spleen of nonparalyzed mice.
- Virus replicates in spleen and CNS of paralyzed mice.
- Viral gag (p30) and env (gp70) gene products are expressed in CNS and spleen of paralyzed mice.
Conclusions:
- Inoculation of neurotropic wild mouse virus into newborn FV-1n mice is critical for CNS infection.
- CNS viral replication and gene expression lead to paralytic disease.