Lymphoid cell infection by measles virus in newborn hamsters. Role for monocytes in virus spread to distant sites
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Abstract:
Following intraperitoneal inoculation of measles (HBS) virus into newborn hamsters widespread but variable productive lymphoid tissue infection was detected by a sensitive viral isolation technique. Peritoneal wash cells and spleen were the most common sites of infection. Virus was frequently isolated from the bone marrow and was commonly found in multiple lymph nodes. Thymic infection was only rarely demonstrated. A mononuclear cell associated viremia was demonstrated by Ficollhypaque fractionation of peripheral blood from animals receiving both high- and low-dose virus. Infection was present in both plastic adherent and non-adherent fractions of the blood mononuclear cells. The infected cell population in the spleen had both nylon wool and plastic adherent characteristics and infection was therefore thought to be macrophage-associated. The possible relevance of such macrophage associated infection is discussed with regard to the pathogenesis of natural measles infection and the immunosuppression observed in measles-infected hosts.
Insights
Measles virus (HBS) infects lymphoid tissues in newborn hamsters, primarily in peritoneal cells and spleen. This macrophage-associated infection may explain measles pathogenesis and immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Measles virus (HBS) infection is known to cause immunosuppression.
- The precise mechanisms of measles virus dissemination and cellular tropism in vivo are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and cellular association of measles virus (HBS) infection in newborn hamsters.
- To explore the potential role of macrophage-associated infection in measles pathogenesis and immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of measles virus (HBS) into newborn hamsters.
- Sensitive viral isolation techniques to detect infection in lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood.
- Ficoll-hypaque fractionation and cell adherence assays to characterize infected cell populations.
Main Results:
- Widespread, variable productive lymphoid tissue infection was detected, with peritoneal wash cells and spleen being the most common sites.
- Measles virus was frequently isolated from bone marrow and multiple lymph nodes, but rarely from the thymus.
- A mononuclear cell-associated viremia was demonstrated, with infected cells found in both plastic adherent and non-adherent fractions.
- Infected spleen cells exhibited characteristics of macrophages, suggesting macrophage-associated infection.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus (HBS) establishes productive infection in multiple lymphoid tissues of newborn hamsters.
- The findings suggest a macrophage-associated tropism for measles virus.
- This macrophage association may be relevant to the pathogenesis of natural measles infection and associated immunosuppression.