Hematopoietic Cell Activation in the Subventricular Zone After Theiler's Virus Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Goings Gwendolyn E, Greisman Adriana, James Rachel E, Abram Leanne KF, Begolka Wendy Smith, Miller Stephen D, Szele Francis G
Primary Institution: Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, Oxford University
Hypothesis
Does Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induce inflammation and reduce neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ)?
Conclusion
After TMEV infection, the SVZ may attempt neuronal repair through emigration, but this process is hindered by a decrease in neuroblast numbers.
Supporting Evidence
- CD45+ activation occurred early in the forebrain and was most pronounced in the SVZ.
- Neuroblasts emigrated into inflamed periventricular regions after TMEV infection.
- The number of Dcx+ neuroblasts decreased only after inflammation subsided.
- Inflammation in the brain was regionally stochastic except for the SVZ.
- SVZ neuroblasts showed disrupted cell-cell contacts after TMEV infection.
Takeaway
When a virus infects the brain, it can cause inflammation that affects the brain's ability to make new nerve cells, but some of these cells try to move to help repair the damage.
Methodology
Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine hematopoietic cell activation and neuroblast presence in the SVZ of infected mice.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of immunohistochemical results and the subjective scoring of cell activation.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a specific viral model and may not generalize to other forms of brain injury or inflammation.
Participant Demographics
Eighty 6–7 week old female wild type SJL/J mice were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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