Growth of Neurotropic Viruses in Extraneural Tissues

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary and Conclusions: Multiplication of MM virus in soft tissue of the foot, voluntary muscle, skin, and pharynx was demonstrated in intact hamsters. In tissue cultures the virus grew in minced urinary bladder of hamsters, in minced whole mouse embryo, and apparently in minced intestine of mouse embryo. In limited studies, MM virus failed to multiply in tissue cultures of transitional epithelium of urinary bladder, in lymph node tissue, or in connective tissue of hamsters. No evidence of growth of virus was obtained in connective tissue of intact hamsters. Inconclusive results were obtained in studies of multiplication of MM virus in popliteal lymph nodes of hamsters. Hamsters fed MM virus failed to develop an intestinal carrier state. Many of them became paralyzed and died. It is suggested that the terms “myotropic” and “neurotropic” be used in describing the tissue affinities of the MM virus and related viruses inasmuch as nerve tissue and muscle (skeletal, smooth and cardiac) have been shown to support the multiplication of these viruses about equally well and no other spicific kind of tissue has been shown to support their growth.