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Coxsackievirus B4 myocarditis in mice: valvular changes in virus-infected and control animals
Abstract:
Suckling, weanling, and adult HaM/ICR and Swiss-Webster mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with the TC631 and Dowell strains of coxsackievirus B4. Vero cell-inoculated and uninoculated control mice were also studied under code. An intense, necrotizing myopericarditis was produced in suckling mice; it was less severe in weanlings. Myocarditis did not occur when coxsackievirus B4 was inoculated into adult mice. Progressive sclerosis and thickening of all valves in both strains of mice were observed with equal frequency in infected and control mice. There was no evidence that coxsackievirus B4 induced a specific valvular or endocardial lesion.
Insights
Coxsackievirus B4 infection causes severe heart inflammation (myopericarditis) in young mice but not adults. This study found no evidence of coxsackievirus B4 causing specific heart valve or endocardial damage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coxsackievirus B4 is a known cardiotropic virus.
- Understanding age-dependent susceptibility to viral myocarditis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of coxsackievirus B4 infection on the hearts of mice at different ages.
- To determine if coxsackievirus B4 induces specific valvular or endocardial lesions.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of suckling, weanling, and adult HaM/ICR and Swiss-Webster mice with coxsackievirus B4 strains (TC631 and Dowell).
- Histopathological examination of cardiac tissues.
- Comparison with control groups (Vero cell-inoculated and uninoculated).
Main Results:
- Intense necrotizing myopericarditis was observed in suckling mice, with less severity in weanlings.
- Myocarditis was absent in adult mice infected with coxsackievirus B4.
- Progressive sclerosis and thickening of heart valves occurred in both infected and control mice, with no virus-specific association.
Conclusions:
- Age is a critical factor in the susceptibility to coxsackievirus B4-induced myocarditis.
- Coxsackievirus B4 does not appear to induce specific valvular or endocardial lesions in mice.