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Herpesvirus-induced atherosclerosis in chickens
Federation Proceedings
|May 15, 1983
Summary
Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDV) infection causes atherosclerosis in chickens, mimicking human disease. This discovery offers a new animal model for studying atherosclerosis mechanisms and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDV) infection is known to cause tumors in chickens.
- Atherosclerosis is a significant cardiovascular disease in humans with complex pathogenesis.
- Spontaneous atherosclerosis is not observed in normocholesterolemic or hypercholesterolemic uninfected specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MDV infection in the development of atherosclerosis in chickens.
- To establish a relevant animal model for studying atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of turkey herpesvirus immunization as a protective strategy against MDV-induced atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of specific pathogen free (SPF) normocholesterolemic chickens with Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDV).
- Analysis of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) for lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo.
- Evaluation of protection against MDV-induced atherosclerosis following immunization with turkey herpesvirus.
Main Results:
- MDV infection reliably induced atherosclerosis in SPF normocholesterolemic chickens.
- Accumulation of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters was observed in MDV-infected SMCs, both in vitro and in vivo.
- Immunization with turkey herpesvirus conferred protection against MDV-induced atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- MDV infection is a causative agent of atherosclerosis in chickens, presenting a valuable animal model.
- Alterations in SMC lipid metabolism are critical in the pathogenesis of MDV-induced atherosclerosis.
- Turkey herpesvirus immunization is a potential preventative measure for MDV-induced atherosclerosis, suggesting broader implications for herpesvirus-related cardiovascular research.