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Respiratory syncytial virus affects pulmonary function in BALB/c mice
S M van Schaik1, G Enhorning, I Vargas
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 18, 1998
Summary
This study shows that mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) exhibit increased respiratory rates and airway hyperresponsiveness. This validates the mouse model for respiratory syncytial virus research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants.
- Mouse models are crucial for studying RSV pathogenesis and developing therapeutics.
- Objective measures of respiratory illness in mouse models are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if BALB/c mice infected with RSV exhibit detectable signs of respiratory illness.
- To assess airway responsiveness to methacholine in RSV-infected mice.
- To validate the mouse model for RSV research.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were inoculated intranasally with RSV.
- Whole-body plethysmography was used to measure respiratory rates.
- Airway responsiveness to methacholine was assessed.
Main Results:
- RSV-infected mice had significantly higher respiratory rates compared to controls (409.2 vs. 305.2 breaths/min).
- Infected mice showed significantly increased airway responsiveness, reacting to a 100-fold lower dose of methacholine.
- Objective evidence of respiratory illness was demonstrated in the mouse model.
Conclusions:
- The mouse model of RSV infection demonstrates objective signs of respiratory illness.
- This model is valuable for evaluating vaccines, antivirals, and other treatments for RSV-induced respiratory disease.