Detection of pathological molecular alterations in scrapie-infected hamster brain by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.
In this report a new approach for the identification of pathological changes in scrapie-infected Syrian hamster brains using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy is discussed. Using computer-based pattern recognition techniques and imaging, infrared maps with high structural contrast were obtained. This strategy permitted comparison of spectroscopic data from identical anatomical structures in scrapie-infected and control brains. Consistent alterations in membrane state-of-order, protein composition, carbohydrate and nucleic acid constituents were detected in scrapie-infected tissues. Cluster analysis performed on spectra of homogenized medulla oblongata and pons samples also reliably separated uninfected from infected specimens. This method provides a useful tool not only for the exploration of the disease process but also for the development of rapid diagnostic and screening techniques of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
Kneipp
J
J
PG3, Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, D-13353, Berlin, Germany. kneippj@rki.de
Lasch
P
P
Baldauf
E
E
Beekes
M
M
Naumann
D
D
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008647:Mesocricetus; D015591:Microspectrophotometry; D012608:Scrapie / Q000473:pathology*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods