Seizures following picornavirus infection.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Libbey
Jane E
JE
Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132-2305, USA.
Kirkman
Nikki J
NJ
Smith
Matthew C P
MC
Tanaka
Tomoko
T
Wilcox
Karen S
KS
White
H Steve
HS
Fujinami
Robert S
RS
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D018188:Cardiovirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D017945:Theilovirus; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta