NR AGPE
AU Kneipp,J.; Lasch,P.; Baldauf,E.; Beekes,M.; Naumann,D.
TI Detection of pathological molecular alterations in scrapie-infected hamster brain by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy
QU Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2000 Jun 15; 1501(2-3): 189-99
PT journal article
AB In this report a new approach for the identification of pathological changes in scrapie-infected Syrian hamster brains using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy is discussed. Using computer-based pattern recognition techniques and imaging, infrared maps with high structural contrast were obtained. This strategy permitted comparison of spectroscopic data from identical anatomical structures in scrapie-infected and control brains. Consistent alterations in membrane state-of-order, protein composition, carbohydrate and nucleic acid constituents were detected in scrapie-infected tissues. Cluster analysis performed on spectra of homogenized medulla oblongata and pons samples also reliably separated uninfected from infected specimens. This method provides a useful tool not only for the exploration of the disease process but also for the development of rapid diagnostic and screening techniques of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
MH Animal; Brain/metabolism/*pathology; *Brain Chemistry; Cluster Analysis; Female; Hamsters; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Mesocricetus; Microspectrophotometry; Scrapie/*pathology; *Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared/methods
AD PG3, Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, D-13353, Berlin, Germany. kneippj@rki.de
SP englisch
PO Niederlande