Dengue Virus Infection Causes Brain Inflammation and Behavioral Changes in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Amaral Debora CG, Rachid Milene A, Vilela Marcia C, Campos Roberta DL, Ferreira Gustavo P, Rodrigues David H, Lacerda-Queiroz Norinne, Miranda Aline S, Costa Vivian V, Campos Marco A, Kroon Erna G, Teixeira Mauro M, Teixeira Antonio L
Primary Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Hypothesis
Intracerebral infection with dengue virus 3 induces meningoencephalitis and behavioral changes that precede lethality in mice.
Conclusion
Dengue virus infection leads to severe brain inflammation and significant behavioral changes in infected mice.
Supporting Evidence
- All animals developed signs of encephalitis and died by day 8 post-infection.
- Motor behavior and muscle tone parameters declined significantly at day 7 post-infection.
- Increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion were observed in the brain microvasculature of infected mice.
- Histological analysis showed evidence of meningoencephalitis and reactive gliosis.
- Increased levels of cytokines and chemokines were detected in the brain tissue of infected mice.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with dengue virus, they get really sick in their brains and start acting differently before they die.
Methodology
C57BL/6 mice were infected with dengue virus via an intracranial route, and various behavioral and inflammatory parameters were assessed.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human disease.
Participant Demographics
Male C57BL/6 mice, ages 6-9 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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