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Measles retinopathy. A hamster model of acute and chronic lesions
Abstract:
Measles and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis strains of virus inoculated intracerebrally in suckling and weanling hamsters spread immediately to the eye via the blood. Virus replicates in the brain and eye in parallel, and in higher titers than it does in other organs. Acute retinal lesions consist of focal syncytia, inclusion-bearing cells, and necrosis. Immunofluorescence studies show measles-specific antigen in the affected cells. Ultrastructurally, measles nucleocapsids and virions are seen in the retinal cells. The necrosis is followed by a differential repair of the retinal layers that results in retinal dysplasia. Chronically, the retinal dysplasia progresses to atrophy and gliosis of the retina. The chronic lesions are histologically similar to those seen in human subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and measles retinopathies.
Insights
Measles virus rapidly spreads to the eye in hamsters, causing acute retinal lesions and chronic changes. These findings offer insights into measles retinopathy and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Measles virus infection can lead to severe neurological complications.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal complication of measles infection.
- The ocular manifestations of measles virus and SSPE are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of measles virus and SSPE in the eye.
- To characterize the acute and chronic retinal lesions caused by measles virus.
- To compare experimental findings with human SSPE and measles retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral inoculation of measles and SSPE virus strains in suckling and weanling hamsters.
- Monitoring of virus spread via blood to the eye.
- Histopathological examination of retinal lesions using light and electron microscopy.
- Immunofluorescence studies to detect measles-specific antigens.
Main Results:
- Measles virus rapidly disseminated to the eye via bloodstream, replicating in parallel with the brain.
- Acute retinal lesions included syncytia, inclusion-bearing cells, and necrosis.
- Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies confirmed measles virus presence in retinal cells.
- Chronic lesions progressed from retinal dysplasia to atrophy and gliosis.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus infection in hamsters causes significant acute and chronic retinal pathology.
- The observed retinal lesions share similarities with human SSPE and measles retinopathies.
- This model provides valuable insights into the ocular disease mechanisms of measles virus.