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The disturbance of water-maze task performance in mice with EMC-D virus infection
1Department of Comparative Pathophysiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The present study was performed to examine the influence of EMC-D virus on water-maze task performance in DBA/2 mice inoculated with 10(3) PFU/ml and BALB/c mice inoculated with 10(5) PFU/ml of EMC-D virus. In both strains, the latency to accomplish the task was shortened during successive 8 days of testing. However, the shortening of latency in the inoculated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Pathological studies showed that in both studies St. pyramidale hippocampi was commonly degenerated, but the degeneration of the spinal cord was shown only in DBA/2 mice. Therefore, the disturbance of water-maze task performance in mice infected with EMC-D virus might be partially due to the dysfunction of memory for working process or cognition of orientation other than underlying decreased ability in locomotion.
Insights
Encephalomyocarditis virus-D (EMC-D) infection impairs water-maze task performance in mice. Viral infection led to hippocampal degeneration and reduced learning ability, suggesting cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Encephalomyocarditis virus-D (EMC-D) is a known pathogen.
- Understanding viral impacts on cognitive function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of EMC-D virus on spatial learning and memory in mice.
- To correlate behavioral deficits with neuropathological findings.
Main Methods:
- DBA/2 and BALB/c mice were inoculated with EMC-D virus.
- Water-maze task was used to assess spatial learning and memory.
- Histopathological examination of brain tissue (hippocampus and spinal cord) was performed.
Main Results:
- Mice infected with EMC-D showed a reduced improvement in water-maze task performance over time compared to controls.
- Degeneration of the stratum pyramidale in the hippocampus was observed in both mouse strains.
- Spinal cord degeneration was noted exclusively in DBA/2 mice.
Conclusions:
- EMC-D virus infection negatively impacts water-maze performance in mice.
- Neuropathological changes, particularly hippocampal degeneration, likely contribute to cognitive and memory impairments.
- Locomotor ability does not appear to be the primary factor limiting performance.