Related Experiment Videos
Coxsackievirus B3 persistence and myocarditis in N:NIH(S) II nu/nu and +/nu mice
Abstract:
N:NIH(S) II nu/nu (athymic) and +/nu (euthymic) mice were inoculated with coxsackievirus B3 (CBV-3) and examined at various times after infection for virus titres in the heart, myocarditis and serum neutralizing antibodies. Virus was recovered from the hearts of nu/nu mice for up to 94 days post-inoculation, but was not recovered from the hearts of any +/nu mice beyond 14 days. Inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis were present in the hearts of +/nu mice at all harvest times (7, 14, 21 and 28 days). Inflammation and necrosis did not become evident in nu/nu mice until 14 days post-inoculation, and was the present in mice from each harvest until the end of the experiment (94 days). In athymic mice, myocarditis showed a strong correlation with persistence of CBV-3 in the heart. In N:NIH(S) II mice, the presence (+/nu) or absence (nu/nu) of a thymus had a major influence on the clearance of virus from the heart and on the development of myocarditis.
Insights
The thymus significantly impacts coxsackievirus B3 (CBV-3) clearance and myocarditis development. Athymic mice showed prolonged viral persistence and delayed inflammatory responses, highlighting the thymus's crucial role in viral heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coxsackievirus B3 (CBV-3) is a common cause of viral myocarditis.
- The role of the thymus in viral infections and subsequent myocarditis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the thymus on CBV-3 clearance and myocarditis development.
- To compare viral persistence and cardiac pathology in athymic (nu/nu) and euthymic (+/nu) mice.
Main Methods:
- N:NIH(S) II nu/nu (athymic) and +/nu (euthymic) mice were inoculated with CBV-3.
- Virus titers in the heart, myocarditis, and serum neutralizing antibodies were assessed at various time points.
- Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue was performed.
Main Results:
- CBV-3 was recovered from athymic mice hearts for up to 94 days, versus 14 days in euthymic mice.
- Myocarditis and necrosis were evident in euthymic mice from day 7, and in athymic mice from day 14, persisting until day 94.
- In athymic mice, myocarditis correlated strongly with persistent CBV-3 in the heart.
Conclusions:
- The thymus plays a critical role in the clearance of CBV-3 from the heart.
- Thymic presence influences the timing and severity of CBV-3-induced myocarditis.
- Athymic mice exhibit prolonged viral persistence and delayed inflammatory cardiac pathology.