Effects of persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection on cholinergic neurons in the mouse.
We have examined the effects of persistent infection with the Armstrong E350 strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) on choline acetyltransferase activity in several regions of Balb/c mouse brain. Despite the presence of high titres of virus in brain for as long as 6 months, and a widespread distribution of virus antigen, no decreases in choline acetyltransferase activity could be demonstrated. The enzyme activity was increased in some regions of brain, showing an effect of the persistent virus infection on a differentiated cell function. Although these data do not suggest a role for LCMV in human neurologic disease, similar studies may allow useful animal models to be conveniently and reproducibly generated.
Zisman
B R
BR
Department of Microbiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461.
Braunstein
V
V
Kress
Y
Y
Davies
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism*; D002799:Cholinergic Fibers / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008216:Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / Q000201:enzymology*; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / Q000032:analysis*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C
D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase