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Experimental Coxsackie virus B-3 and B-4 myocarditis in mice
Abstract:
Mice were inoculated with recently isolated Coxsackie virus B-3 and B-4 intraperitoneally. Severest lesions in the hearts were observed in mice between the age of 7 and 14 days. Grossly yellow-white patches were seen on the hearts of mice from the 7th day to the 6th month after virus inoculation. Microscopically, the heart showed extensive myocardial necrosis, inflammation with small mononuclear cells and calcification on the day of 7. There were myocardial fibrosis and calcification at the 6th month after inoculation with Coxsackie virus B-3, and at the 3rd month after inoculation with Coxsackie virus B-4, but generally pathologic changes were less severe in the latter. Myocardial fibrosis in the present experiment was most prominent among the experiments we have studied. It was confirmed that chronic myocardial fibrosis follows acute Coxsackie virus myocarditis in mice. Possible role of Coxsackie virus myocarditis in the development of cardiomyopathy was briefly discussed.
Insights
Young mice infected with Coxsackie viruses developed severe heart lesions, including necrosis and fibrosis. This study confirms chronic myocardial fibrosis following acute Coxsackie virus myocarditis in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Coxsackie viruses are known to cause myocarditis.
- The long-term cardiac effects of Coxsackie virus infections require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological changes in mouse hearts following Coxsackie virus B-3 and B-4 inoculation.
- To determine the development of chronic myocardial fibrosis after acute viral myocarditis.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of Coxsackie virus B-3 and B-4 into mice of varying ages.
- Gross and microscopic examination of cardiac tissues at different time points post-inoculation.
- Histopathological analysis including assessment of necrosis, inflammation, calcification, and fibrosis.
Main Results:
- The most severe cardiac lesions were observed in mice aged 7-14 days.
- Yellow-white patches, myocardial necrosis, inflammation, and calcification were evident by day 7.
- Myocardial fibrosis was a prominent finding, observed at 6 months post-Coxsackie B-3 and 3 months post-Coxsackie B-4 inoculation.
- Chronic myocardial fibrosis was confirmed to follow acute Coxsackie virus myocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Coxsackie virus infection in young mice leads to significant acute and chronic cardiac pathology.
- The study confirms a link between acute viral myocarditis and the development of chronic myocardial fibrosis.
- These findings suggest a potential role for Coxsackie virus myocarditis in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy.