Seizures following picornavirus infection

Authors: Libbey, Jane E.¹; Kirkman, Nikki J.¹; Smith, Matthew C.P.¹; Tanaka, Tomoko¹; Wilcox, Karen S.²; White, H. Steve²; Fujinami, Robert S.¹

Source: Epilepsia, Volume 49, Number 6, June 2008 , pp. 1066-1074(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Summary

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]-β 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-β 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.

Keywords: Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus; Seizures; Epilepsy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01535.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Pathology 2: Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2008-06-01