Seizures following picornavirus infection.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

We demonstrate the establishment and characterization of a novel virus infection-induced seizure model in C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS:

C57BL/6 mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) or mock infected. Mice were followed for seizures, weight change, body temperature, motor function (righting reflex, rotorod) and neurological manifestations (inflammation [perivascular cuffing], pyknotic neurons, transforming growth factor [TGF]-beta expression).

RESULTS:

C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to seizures induced by TMEV infection. Approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice develop transient afebrile seizures. Motor function and coordination are impaired in seized mice. Pyramidal neuron pyknosis and TGF-beta expression correlate with seizure activity in the hippocampus.

DISCUSSION:

The characterization of this model will enable the investigation of viral and immune contributions in the central nervous system to the development of seizure disorders in humans.

• Authors: Jane E Libbey, Nikki J Kirkman, Matthew C P Smith, Tomoko Tanaka, Karen S Wilcox, H Steve White, Robert S Fujinami
• Journal: Epilepsia (Epilepsia) Vol. 49 Issue 6 Pg. 1066-74 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1528-1167 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18325012 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Transforming Growth Factor beta

Topics

• Animals
• Brain (pathology)
• Cardiovirus Infections (complications, pathology)
• Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic (etiology, pathology)
• Female
• Hippocampus (pathology)
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Mice, Inbred Strains
• Motor Skills (physiology)
• Neurons (pathology)
• Postural Balance (physiology)
• Reflex (physiology)
• Seizures (etiology, pathology)
• Theilovirus
• Transforming Growth Factor beta (analysis)