Microvascular lesions and changes in cell proliferation and death, and cytokine expression in the placentas of mice experimentally infected by Equid Herpesvirus 1

ZANUZZI CN; BRAVI ME; SCROCHI MR; NISHIDA F; FUENTEALBA NA; DIESSLER ME; SGUAZZA HG; MUGLIA CI; GIMENO EJ; PORTIANSKY EL; BARBEITO CG; GALOSI CM

RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 vol. 109 p. 121 - 128

0034-5288

This study describes the changes observed in the placentas of mice experimentally infected with an abortigenic strain of EHV-1 at mid-pregnancy and euthanized at days 3 and 4 post-infection. We analyzed microscopic vascularalterations, cell proliferation and death by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α and the IL-10 by qPCR and flow cytometry. Infected mice showed slight respiratory signs and ruffled fur during the first two days post-infection. Virus isolation and DNA detection were positive only in the lungs of the infected mice. Vascular congestion, increase in the labyrinth area, and a significant reduction in fetal capillary endotheliumsurface of infected placentas were found. Cell proliferation was significantly reduced in the infected placentas, whereas the apoptosis was significantly increased. IL10, TNF and IFN-γ showed different expression in the infected placentas and uteri. The effects of EHV-1 during pregnancy depend on different pathogenic mechanisms in which vascular alterations, and cell death and proliferation and local cytokine changes are compromised.