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Social isolation modifies the response of mice to experimental Mengo virus infection
P Clausing1, T Bocker, J Diekgerdes
1Institute of Microbiology and Experimental Therapy, Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
To investigate the effects of social isolation on host resistance male mice were housed either individually (IH) or in groups of four or five (GH). All animals were infected with MengoM,L virus. Incubation time (INCUB), duration of illness (ILL), death rate (DR), histopathological changes, and serum corticosterone levels (CORT) were recorded. First, the effect of IH starting 4 days prior to infection was studied in 5 different inbred strains. Next, the effect of different IH length was examined, and the role of T-cells was investigated by comparing euthymic (+/+) and athymic (nu/nu) NMRI mice. Finally, the effects of the infection on CORT in IH and GH mice were compared in C57BL/6 mice. The major findings were: 1. IH significantly increased ILL in all but the DBA/2 strain, whereas DR was not affected except in C57BL/6. 2. Longer IH (starting 35 [DBA/2] or 10 [NMRI] days prior to virus inoculation) significantly shortened INCUB and prolonged ILL, but IH starting on the day of virus inoculation [DBA/2] significantly prolonged INCUB and shortened ILL. 3. NMRI nude mice exhibited an unaltered DR accompanied by a tremendously prolonged INCUB. 4. Investigations in C57BL/6 mice revealed a significant rise of CORT after infection. This increase was higher in IH compared to GH mice. It is suggested that IH attenuates T-cell mediated inflammatory processes and/or increases macrophage activation, which in turn results in a prolonged course of the disease.
Insights
Social isolation (IH) prolonged illness duration in mice infected with Mengo virus, while varying incubation times depended on IH length. Stress hormone levels (CORT) were higher in isolated mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Virology
Background:
- Social isolation is a known stressor with potential impacts on health.
- Host resistance to viral infections can be influenced by environmental factors.
- Understanding the interplay between social environment and immune response is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of individual housing (IH) versus group housing (GH) on host resistance to Mengo virus infection in mice.
- To examine the influence of social isolation duration and T-cell mediated immunity on viral infection outcomes.
- To assess the impact of infection and housing conditions on serum corticosterone levels.
Main Methods:
- Male mice from different inbred strains were housed individually (IH) or in groups (GH) and infected with Mengo virus.
- Parameters recorded included incubation time, duration of illness, death rate, histopathology, and serum corticosterone levels.
- Experiments involved varying lengths of IH, comparing euthymic and athymic mice, and analyzing stress hormone levels.
Main Results:
- Individual housing (IH) significantly increased illness duration, with varied effects on incubation time and death rate depending on strain and IH duration.
- NMRI nude mice showed prolonged incubation but unaltered death rates, suggesting a role for T-cells.
- Infection led to increased serum corticosterone (CORT) levels, which were higher in IH compared to GH mice.
Conclusions:
- Social isolation can impair host resistance to viral infections, leading to prolonged illness.
- The duration of social isolation and T-cell mediated immunity play significant roles in modulating infection outcomes.
- Social isolation exacerbates the stress response to infection, as indicated by elevated corticosterone levels.