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Chronic measles encephalitis in mice
Abstract:
The intracerebral inoculation of hamster neurotropic measles virus produces a fatal acute encephalopathy in the majority of weanling BALB/c mice. The few survivors remain healthy indefinitely. In contrast, weanling SJL/J mice are relatively resistant to acute encephalopathy, and about one-third of the survivors predictably develop a chronic encephalitis many weeks after inoculation. This later illness is characterized clinically by wasting, lethargy, seizures, or focal paralysis, usually culminating in death. Pathologically, a considerable brain inflammatory response occurs in association with abundant measles viral antigen. Viral antigen and inflammation were demonstrable predominantly in the limbic system but was also present in the cerebellum and brain stem. Antibody to measles virus was readily demonstrated in all animals with chronic encephalitis. This report constitutes the first description of chronic measles encephalitis in an inbred host.
Insights
Hamster neurotropic measles virus causes acute encephalopathy in BALB/c mice. SJL/J mice survivors develop chronic measles encephalitis, characterized by brain inflammation and viral antigen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles virus can cause central nervous system disease.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding viral encephalitis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuropathogenesis of measles virus in different mouse strains.
- To describe a novel model of chronic measles encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral inoculation of hamster neurotropic measles virus into weanling BALB/c and SJL/J mice.
- Clinical observation for signs of neurological disease.
- Pathological examination of brains for inflammation and viral antigen.
- Detection of measles virus-specific antibodies.
Main Results:
- BALB/c mice predominantly developed acute, fatal encephalopathy.
- SJL/J mice showed resistance to acute disease, with approximately one-third developing chronic encephalitis weeks post-inoculation.
- Chronic encephalitis in SJL/J mice featured significant brain inflammation, measles viral antigen (primarily in the limbic system, cerebellum, and brain stem), and detectable antibodies.
- This study is the first to describe chronic measles encephalitis in an inbred host model.
Conclusions:
- SJL/J mice provide a valuable inbred model for studying the mechanisms of chronic measles encephalitis.
- The findings highlight the diverse neuropathic potential of measles virus depending on host genetics.