Fixation procedures for retention of cellular morphologic features and for preservation of immunoreactivity of canine paramyxovirus antigens

The effectiveness of 1% saponin at 55 C (SAP), glutaraldehyde-borohydride-saponin (GBS), and modified GBS (MGBS) as fixatives for preserving cellular morphologic features, as well as antigenicity of intracellular and membrane-bound viral proteins of canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) was studied. Use of the same fixatives for light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical examination also was investigated. By light microscopy, CDV inclusions were readily detected after SAP and MGBS fixation, but not after GBS fixation; CPIV inclusions were detected after GBS and MGBS fixation, but not after SAP fixation. Ultrastructurally, SAP-treated cells had moderate to severe cytoplasmic artifacts, although CDV-associated cytoplasmic and membrane viral antigens were readily labeled. The CPIV-infected cells contained only a few positively labeled membrane-associated antigens and cytoplasmic nucleocapsids (NC). Although GBS-treated cells had excellent ultrastructural preservation, immunolabeling was unsatisfactory; CPIV-NC were labeled incompletely, and CDV-NC were unlabeled. After fixation with MGBS, immunolabeling of NC and membrane-associated viral proteins for both viruses was achieved, and the architecture of infected cells was preserved.     

犬实验感染CDV的病理学研究

对实验感染犬瘟热病毒的病犬进行了系统的病理学观察,并用酶标ＳＰＡ法对病犬脏器组织中ＣＤＶ抗原进行了定位检查。结果表明,淋巴系统各器官组织是ＣＤＶ急性感染早期首先侵犯的靶器官。脏器组织的病理改变与ＣＤＶ抗原检出呈正相关。脏器组织中包涵体的检出与形态结构具有一定的特征性和示病意义,但采用免疫组化方法检查ＣＤＶ抗原,更具优越性。作者认为,ＣＤＶ９３０３９株和ＣＤＶ９３０４１株是致病力很强的泛嗜性ＣＤＶ。     

Lymphoid apoptosis in acute canine distemper

The relationship between the canine distemper virus (CDV) infection and apoptosis in the canine lymphoid tissues was investigated using immunostaining for single stranded DNA (ssDNA), TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method, and electron microscopy. Twenty-six lymphoid tissues from 8 spontaneously CDV-infected dogs and 1 non-infected dog were used, and lesions were classified into 4 groups according to frequency of the CDV-antigen. Histologically, the degree of lymphoid depletion tended to depend on amount of CDV antigen. The numbers of ssDNA- and TUNEL-labeling cells were significantly high in the lymphoid tissues with abundant viral antigen. However, ssDNA- and TUNEL-positive lymphocytes were also frequently found even in the lymphoid tissues where there was only a small amount of CDV-antigen in sinus histiocytes. The incidence and distribution of apoptotic cells in the CDV-antigens-negative lymphoid tissues from infected dogs were equal to those from a non-infected dog. Double labeling immunostaining using a ssDNA and a CDV nucleocapsid protein (CDV-NP) antibody revealed that there were ssDNA positive but CDV-NP negative cells besides those stained doubly positive. Ultrastructurally, lymphocytes in the CDV-infected lymphoid tissues frequently had characteristic morphological features of apoptosis such as apoptotic bodies. All these results suggest that CDV leads to lymphocytic apoptosis directly or indirectly, resulting in severe lymphoid depletion and immunosuppression in acute or subacute phase of CDV infection.     

Detection of canine distemper viral antigen in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue of a fitch (Mustela putorius), using an immunoperoxidase technique

The present study describes how a naturally infected fitch (Mustela putorius) caused an outbreak of canine distemper in a colony of insufficiently vaccinated dogs. The detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) on paraffin sections of different organs of the fitch and one of the dead dogs was achieved using a monoclonal antibody against the nucleocapsid protein (NP) of CDV and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) technique.     

Role of actin microfilaments in canine distemper virus replication in vero cells

Several studies have indicated that viruses require a specific cytoskeletal structure for replication in host cells. In this study, we examined the role of actin fiber in the replication of canine distemper virus (CDV), belonging to the Morbillivirus genus of the family Paramyxoviridae. For this purpose, we used two actin depolymerizing agents, cytochalasin-D (C-D) and mycalolide-B (ML-B). In Vero cells, C-D disrupted actin fibers distributed in the cytosol, but peripheral actin fibers remained intact. On the other hand, ML-B completely disrupted the actin fibers distributed in both areas. Treatment of Vero cells with C-D or ML-B inhibited the replication of CDV. Double staining of CDV-infected Vero cells with antibody to N-protein and rhodamine-phalloidin revealed the presence of N-protein in mid-cytoplasm. However, the N-protein was specifically localized at the submembrane region in the presence of C-D, whereas it was clustered in the presence of ML-B. Viral mRNA levels of N- and H-proteins were rather increased by treatment with C-D or ML-B. The treatment with ML-B strongly inhibited N-protein expression, whereas C-D only slightly inhibited N-protein expression. These results suggest that actin microfilaments distributed in the cytoplasm and on the membrane region in host cells may have a different role in the process of CDV replication.     

犬瘟热病毒重组核蛋白间接ELISA方法的建立

将已构建成功的重组质粒pGEX-4T-1-N转化大肠杆菌BL21株,在最佳诱导条件下获得犬瘟热病毒(CDV)重组N蛋白。将表达产物纯化后进行SDS-PAGE和W estern-b lot分析,与CDV标准阳性血清呈阳性反应。本研究初步建立了以纯化的N蛋白为包被抗原的间接ELISA检测方法,经初步试验证实,该方法敏感、特异。试验结果表明,大肠杆菌中表达的CDV N蛋白在免疫原性上与天然核衣壳蛋白具有较高相似性,可作为诊断用抗原。     

Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) expression associated with cell survival and death in cancer cell lines infected with canine distemper virus

Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel strategy for treatment of cancer in humans and companion animals as well. Canine distemper virus (CDV), a paramyxovirus, has proven to be oncolytic through induction of apoptosis in canine‐derived tumour cells, yet the mechanism behind this inhibitory action is poorly understood. In this study, three human mammary tumour cell lines and one canine‐derived adenofibrosarcoma cell line were tested regarding to their susceptibility to CDV infection, cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8). CDV replication‐induced cytopathic effect, decrease of cell proliferation rates, and >45% of infected cells were considered death and/or under late apoptosis/necrosis. TNFAIP8 and CDVM gene expression were positively correlated in all cell lines. In addition, mitochondrial membrane depolarization was associated with increase in virus titres (p < 0.005). Thus, these results strongly suggest that both human and canine mammary tumour cells are potential candidates for studies concerning CDV‐induced cancer therapy.     

Antigen requirements and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of canine IgG against canine distemper viral antigens

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detection of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) against canine distemper virus (CDV) antigens. Sucrose gradient separation of viral and cellular proteins was required to produce coating antigens for the ELISA. The specificity of the ELISA was demonstrated by blocking CDV-positive canine sera with CDV-specific antisera produced in goats and rabbits and adsorption of positive sera with CDV antigens. A comparison of the ELISA with the serum-neutralization technique for the detection of CDV antibodies was conducted. Anti-CDV IgG was detected in conventional dogs as early as 6 days after inoculation with a commercial vaccine to CDV. Paired sera from the immunized dogs were evaluated by both techniques and a statistically (P less than 0.01) significant agreement between the ELISA and the serum-neutralization technique was shown (r = 0.6121, n = 75).     

The growth profiles of three types of canine distemper virus on Vero cells expressing canine signaling lymphocyte activation molecule

To know growth profiles of canine distemper virus (CDV) on Vero cells stably expressing canine signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (Vero-DogSLAMtag; Vero-DST cells), the propagation of three strains of CDV was tested in Vero-DST cells in comparison with parental Vero cells. Strain MD77 could grow well in both cell lines, but demonstrated no syncytium formation or indistinguishable rounding cytopathic effects (CPE) in Vero cells. Strains Onderstepoort and KDK-1 also grew well in Vero-DST cells with apparent syncytium CPE, while they grew less or no efficiently, respectively, in Vero cells. All three CDV strains demonstrated the peak titers, in Vero-DST cells before reaching to an extensive CPE and drastic decrease of titers at/after full CPE. Immunohistochemistry revealed that viral antigens of all CDV strains were found exclusively in the syncytia in Vero-DST cells, while in Vero cells, viral antigen was identified in their single cells for strain MD77 but none for other strains. Thus, every strain of CDV could grow well in Vero-DST cells and behaved differently against Vero cells. These results would be of practical value for workers of CDV because 1) In Vero-DST cells, by observation of distinct syncytium CPE, the highest titer or the best growth of virus could be identified; 2) In Vero cells, various CDV strains could be readily classified after propagation in Vero-DST cells.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of alpha B-crystallin in the cerebellum of dogs infected with canine distemper virus

The cerebella of 12 dogs infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) and those of three normal dogs were examined. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique was used to detect alphaB-crystallin (alphaB-c) immunoreactivity and immunolocalisation of the CDV antigen. CDV antigens, immunopositive astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and granular neurons were seen in both the white and grey matter of the infected dogs. In the controls, alphaB-c immunopositive glial cells were seen in the white matter and around the Purkinje cells. In dogs with distemper, alphaB-c immunoreactivity was not observed in some of the glial cells around the Purkinje cells. A significant negative correlation of P < 0.01 level was found between areas of severe demyelination and the number of alphaB-c immunopositive cells in dogs infected with CDV. Such correlation was not observed between mild and moderate demyelinating areas and alphaB-c immunostaining. The alphaB-crystallin/ total number of cells ratio was found to be significant in severely affected demyelinating areas (P < 0.05). These data indicate that there was a relationship between the degrees of CDV associated with demyelination and the level of alphaB-c expression in the glial cells.     

Non-cytocidal infection of keratinocytes by canine distemper virus in the so-called hard pad disease of canine distemper

A late, but not uncommon sequel to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection of dogs is thickening of footpads and nasal planum, the so-called hard pad disease, originally described as vacuolar degeneration of epidermal keratinocytes with inclusion body formation and massive hyperkeratosis. However, in a recent study of footpads of naturally CDV-infected dogs only hyperkeratosis was observed without any of the other changes. Instead, acanthosis was frequently noticed. CDV nucleoprotein was present in the suprabasal keratinocytes and eccrine epithelial glands only. No CDV nucleoprotein was present in basal keratinocytes. This observation in combination with lack of obvious cytocidal changes strongly suggested the possibility of a restricted viral infection with presence of viral mRNA but without protein expression. Therefore, the presence of CDV nucleoprotein mRNA was investigated using in situ hybridization and compared to the localization of the nucleoprotein in footpads of clinically healthy and distemper dogs. Viral nucleoprotein and nucleoprotein mRNA in nearly all cases co-localized to the same compartments and basal keratinocytes did not contain nucleoprotein mRNA. These findings dispute the idea of a restricted viral infection of footpad keratinocytes in dogs with natural CDV infection. Instead, a migration of the virus to the epidermal surface along with the proliferating and differentiating epithelium is the most likely explanation for the lack of virus antigen in basal keratinocytes.     

Effects of hybridoma antibodies on invasion of cultured cells by sporozoites of Eimeria

Hybridoma antibodies (Hab) produced against sporozoites or merozoites of four species of Eimeria were tested for the ability to inhibit the invasion of cultured primary avian kidney cells by sporozoites of Eimeria. Five of 16 Hab that were tested showed inhibitory activity. All five of these Hab were produced against sporozoites and reacted with sporozoite surface antigens or surface/internal antigens. Four Hab produced against merozoites of E. acervulina cross-reacted with sporozoite surface antigens but failed to inhibit invasion. Similarly, Hab reacting with sporozoite anterior tips or refractile bodies had little effect on invasion. Collectively, the data suggest that surface antigens or surface/internal antigens that are unique to the sporozoite stage may influence or be part of the invasion process. Indirect immunofluorescent-antibody tests and ferritin (Fe) labeling combined with electron microscopy indicated differences in binding of two of the Hab to the sporozoite surface membranes. For example, after exposure to Hab 43A6 and a fluorescein-antimouse IgG conjugate, extracellular sporozoites of E. meleagrimitis fluoresced brightly but intracellular sporozoites exhibited little fluorescent label. Sporozoites labeled with Hab 43A6 plus a ferritin-antimouse IgG conjugate that were observed in the process of cell invasion had ferritin on the extracellular portion of the parasite but not on the intracellular portion. Extracellular aggregates of ferritin were observed near the site of invasion. The data suggested that antigens of the sporozoite surface that are recognized by Hab 43A6 are "scraped off" during the invasion of cells. In contrast, after exposure to Hab E5, both extracellular and intracellular sporozoites of E. tenella fluoresced. However, ferritin label was not observed on viable sporozoites, even when they were fixed immediately after the labeling procedure. The antigens recognized by Hab E5 may be associated with parasite secretory products rather than with an integral part of the sporozoite surface membrane.     

犬瘟热病毒(CDV)93039与CDV MD-77株感染Vero细胞的电镜观察

采用电镜技术对犬瘟热病毒（ＣＤＶ）９３０３９株和ＣＤＶ ＭＤ－７７株在体外培养细胞中的增殖过程和所致病变特点进行了比较研究。结果表明,２株病毒的形态发生过程与文献报道相符。ＣＤＶ９３０３９株与ＣＤＶＭＤ－７７株相比,少见长丝状核衣壳聚集及曲型的胞膜上出芽病毒粒子,涵体以电子致密小体为主,与文献报道的ＣＤＶond株较为相似 ;ＣＤＶ ＭＤ－７７株可见成堆存在的核衣壳结构,胞膜上出芽增殖明显可见,早期包涵     

Detection of IgM antibodies against a recombinant nucleocapsid protein of canine distemper virus in dog sera using a dot-blot assay

A dot-blot assay for the detection of IgM antibodies (ABs) against canine distemper virus (CDV) in canine serum is described. The diagnostic potential of this technique was evaluated by analysing sera from three test groups: (i) specific pathogen-free (SPF) beagle dogs experimentally infected with virulent CDV; (ii) SPF dogs immunized with a combined vaccine containing CDV, and (iii) SPF dogs immunized with a CDV-free vaccine. As antigen for the dot-blot assay we used the recombinant nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of the virulent A75/17 CDV strain. All 12 dogs of group 1, infected with virulent CDV, showed detectable CDV-specific IgM levels in their serum. All dogs of group 2 were also positive for anti-CDV IgM after the first immunization with the CDV-containing vaccine. The four dogs immunized with a CDV-free vaccine (group iii) remained negative throughout the course of the experiment. From these results, we conclude that the IgM detection test, which requires only a single serum sample, is a useful method for diagnosing current or recent CDV infection in CDV-infected or CDV-immunized dogs under experimental conditions.     

新城疫病毒M蛋白细胞核定位的机制与功能研究进展

新城疫病毒（Newcastle disease virus,NDV）M蛋白一种非糖基化膜相关蛋白,主要位于病毒囊膜内表面,构成了病毒囊膜和核衣壳连接的支架。研究表明,M蛋白是一种细胞核-细胞质穿梭蛋白。在NDV感染早期,M蛋白可通过自身携带的核定位信号进入细胞核。根据已报道的相关RNA病毒M蛋白功能的研究结果,推测NDV M蛋白早期的细胞核定位有利于细胞质中病毒基因组的复制和转录,并且可能会抑制细胞基因的转录和蛋白质合成。目前,国内外对M蛋白的研究主要集中在M蛋白与NDV毒力和复制的关系以及以M蛋白为核心的病毒样颗粒形成机制和利用方面,而对M蛋白细胞核定位的机制和功能研究相对较少。鉴于M蛋白细胞核定位在NDV复制和致病过程中的重要作用,本文主要从NDV M蛋白的细胞定位特征、M蛋白细胞核定位的分子机制和功能方面进行阐述,以期为NDV M蛋白细胞核定位的功能及其作用机制研究提供理论参考。     

非典型犬瘟热病毒核衣壳蛋白基因序列分析及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

为分析当地非典型犬瘟热病毒(CDV)核衣壳蛋白(N)基因的序列特征及其表达产物的抗原性,根据已发表CDV的N基因序列设计引物,用RT-PCR方法从引起非典型症状的CDV细胞培养物中扩增N基因,进行克隆和序列分析,结果表明:该非典型CDV的N基因与已发表的12个CDV强毒株的核苷酸序列和氨基酸序列同源性分别在96.6%～99.2%和97.9%～99.4%之间,与已发表的4个CDV疫苗弱毒株的同源性分别在93.2%～93.6%和96.4%～97.5%之间;在N基因系统发育进化树上,非典型CDV与12个强毒株处在同一亚群,而且与9个中国分离毒株的亲缘关系近于3个国外毒株。N基因在大肠杆菌中表达的重组N蛋白的分子量为62 ku,主要以包涵体的形式存在;用western blot分析,重组N蛋白可与CDV阳性血清发生特异性反应;以纯化的重组N蛋白为抗原建立的CDV抗体间接ELISA检测方法具有良好的特异性。     

犬瘟热病毒引起啮齿类动物肥胖症的机制研究进展

在过去的30年中,已报道8种病原体可引起人和动物的肥胖,其中犬瘟热病毒是首个报道的可引起动物肥胖症的病毒。研究发现感染犬瘟热病毒的啮齿动物后期表现为病态肥胖。早期犬瘟热病毒的复制对感染鼠下丘脑造成不可逆的损伤,感染鼠表现为体重增加、脂肪细胞增大、体内瘦素受体表达水平下降、黑色素浓集激素前体(ppMCH)mRNA水平下降,高胰岛素血症,儿茶酚胺水平降低,这些因子与机体的食欲增强和(或)能量消耗减少有密切关系,与肥胖症的特征相一致。论文综述了有关犬瘟热病毒引起啮齿类动物肥胖症机制的研究进展。     

犬瘟热病毒核衣壳蛋白基因在昆虫细胞中的表达及其抗原性分析

将非典型犬瘟热病毒（Canine distemper virus,CDV）的核衣壳蛋白（nucleocapsid protein,N）基因克隆到杆状病毒表达系统供体质粒pFastBacHTA中,构建含N基因的重组供体质粒pFastBac-N,转化E.coli DH10Bac感受态细胞,经筛选获得含N基因的重组Bacmid DNA（rBacmid-N）,脂质体法转染昆虫细胞Sf9,获得重组杆状病毒vBacmid-N。用vBacmid-N感染昆虫细胞Sf9,免疫印迹（Western blot）分析,在62kDa处出现一条特异蛋白条带,与重组N蛋白的理论值相符合;间接免疫荧光试验（indirect immunofluorescent assay,IFA）检测,vBacmid-N感染的昆虫细胞sf9出现特异绿色荧光。以纯化的重组N蛋白为抗原建立CDV抗体间接ELISA检测方法,犬CDV阳性血清A450大于0.40,而犬CDV阴性血清A450小于0.05,显示了良好的抗原特异性与稳定性。     

Atypical necrotizing encephalitis associated with systemic canine distemper virus infection in pups

This report describes the naturally occurring atypical neuropathological manifestation of systemic canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in two 16-day-old Pit Bull pups. CDV-induced changes affected the gray and white matter of the forebrain while sparing the hindbrain. Histologically, there was necrosis with destruction of the nervous parenchyma due to an influx of inflammatory and reactive cells associated with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies within glial cells. Positive immunoreactivity against CDV antigens was predominantly observed within astrocytes and neurons. RT-PCR was used to amplify CDV-specific amplicons from brain fragments. These findings suggest the participation of CDV in the etiopathogenesis of these lesions.     

Effects of chloramphenicol on the development of immune responses to canine distemper virus in Beagle pups

The effect of oral chloramphenicol (CHPC) on the development of immune responses to canine distemper virus (CDV) in Beagle pups was studied. Dogs were treated with CHPC for 14 days at a dose of 50 mg/kg, three times a day. Hematologic changes in CHPC-treated dogs included: polychromasia, anisocytosis, and target cell formation of red blood cells concurrent with vacuolation of lymphocytes and basophilic granule formation in neutrophils. Dogs given this therapy showed normal in vivo and in vitro immune responses after CDV vaccination and survived a virulent CDV challenge, whereas untreated, unvaccinated dogs became ill or died after challenge exposure. The results of this study indicate that CHPC therapy does not interfere with either the prechallenge immune response to attenuated viral antigen or the efficient immune mechanisms invoked during virulent virus challenge.