engleski

Modulation of MCMV Immunosurviellance by Female Hormones

Data from both human and animal studies clearly demonstrate that sex steroid hormones influence components of both innate and adaptive immunity, resulting in differences of immune responses between females and males. Moreover, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy modify the severity of some infections and diseases. The aim of this study was to test whethre the phase of estrus cycle at the moment of infection with citomegalovirus (CMV) can modify the viral titer in ovary. Also, are there any differences in the course of CMV infection between pregnant and nonpregnant mice. Four groups of 9-12 weeks old female BALB/c mice were used in experiments: ten days pregnant group ; group with hormonaly induced superovulation (PMSG + hCG) ; mice at phisiological estrus and mice in diestrus phase of estrus cycle. All animals were infected intravenously with murine CMV (MCMV) and sacrificed each day from 1st to 10th days post infection (p.i.). Viral titers were analyzed in ovaries using standard plaque forming assay, while viral spread was examinated using immunohistochemistry. Progesterone levels in blood were determinated by ELISA. Our results showed higher susceptibility of pregnant mice to MCMV infection. Moreover ovaries of pregnant mice showed delay in clearance of productive infection as compared to nonpregnant animals. We observed numerous clusters of infected cells situated in luteal bodies, whereas no cells positive for viral antigens were found within follicles. Furthermore, in group of nonpregnant mice viral load depends on hormonal status. On day 3 p.i. the viral titer was significantly higher in mice with hormonaly induced ovulation, while mice infected at diestrus exhibit the lowest viral titer. Our study provides a new insight in the pathogenesis of MCMV infection in female reproductive tissue as well as its dependency of sex steroid environment. These findings could bring the evidence of CMV infection in mechanisms of gonadal dysfunction.

MCMV Immunosurviellance Hormone

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