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Distribution of K-papovavirus in infected newborn mice
J E Greenlee1, S H Clawson, R C Phelps
1Neurology and Research Services, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148.
Abstract:
Newborn mice were inoculated orally with 100 LD50 of K-papovavirus and the distribution of virus in fatally infected animals was studied by in-situ nuclei acid hybridization methods and immunoperoxidase staining for K virus capsid (V) antigen. Histopathologically, K virus produced extensive involvement of pulmonary endothelial cells, resulting in interstitial pneumonia, and widespread involvement of other endothelial cell populations throughout the systemic circulation. Endothelial cells in lungs, kidneys and other organs exhibited both specific hybridization for K virus nucleic acids and positive staining for K virus V antigen, indicative of productive infection. Scattered, apparently extravascular cells within brain parenchyma also exhibited both specific hybridization and immunohistological staining for K virus V antigen. In contrast, specific hybridization for K virus nuclei acids, in the absence of immunohistochemical labelling of K virus V antigen, suggesting transcription of viral DNA without expression of viral proteins, was detected in renal tubular epithelial cells and nonvascular, apparently lymphoid cells within the spleen and lymph nodes. The present study confirms the predominantly endotheliotropic nature of K virus infection in newborn mice and also demonstrates that the virus invades renal epithelial, lymphoid and possibly glial cells during primary infection.
Insights
K-papovavirus primarily infects endothelial cells in newborn mice, causing interstitial pneumonia. The virus also invades renal epithelial, lymphoid, and glial cells, showing varied infection patterns.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- K-papovavirus is a known pathogen in newborn mice.
- Understanding its tissue tropism is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and cellular tropism of K-papovavirus in systemically infected newborn mice.
- To differentiate between productive viral infection and viral DNA transcription without protein expression.
Main Methods:
- In situ nucleic acid hybridization to detect viral nucleic acids.
- Immunoperoxidase staining to identify K virus capsid (V) antigen.
- Histopathological examination of infected tissues.
Main Results:
- K-papovavirus predominantly infected pulmonary endothelial cells, leading to interstitial pneumonia.
- Infection was observed in endothelial cells of lungs, kidneys, and other organs.
- Viral nucleic acids and V antigen were detected in scattered brain cells, renal tubular epithelial cells, and lymphoid cells, with some cells showing nucleic acids but no antigen.
Conclusions:
- K-papovavirus exhibits a predominantly endotheliotropic nature in newborn mice.
- The study demonstrates viral invasion of renal epithelial, lymphoid, and potentially glial cells.
- Evidence suggests K-papovavirus can transcribe viral DNA without expressing viral proteins in certain cell types.