NR AWHA
AU Hoffmann,C.; Ziegler,U.; Weber,A.; Kupfer,L.; Oelschlegel,A.; Hammerschmidt,B.; Buschmann,A.; Groschup,M.H.
TI BSE in incubating bovine: spread of pathological prion protein via the autonomous nervous system to the brain within 24 months post infection
QU International Conference - Prion 2006: Strategies, advances and trends towards protection of society - 3.10.-6.10.2006, Torino, Italy, Lingotto Conference Centre - Poster sessions PA-26
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB To clarify the infection route and timing of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) we performed an experimental oral BSE infection of 56 calves. Every four months 4-5 animals were euthanized and necropsied to collect numerous tissue and bodily fluid samples. Relevant tissues from the viscera, the lymphoreticular and in particular from the central and peripheral nervous system were selected to reveal the presence of disease associated prion protein (PrPsc) depositions. Highly sensitive immunhistochemistry and immunoblotting techniques were used, as well as rapid testing of the brain stem in selective cases. In the majority of bovines sacrified 12 months post infection and later PrPsc depositions can be seen in the Peyers patches of the distal ileum. Additionally PrPsc was already detected in the brainstem of a clinical unsuspicious cow 24 months post challenge, which is 8 months earlier than reported before. In regard to this cow we were able to demonstrate the most likely spread of the BSE prions during the incubation period: from the alimentary tract (distal Peyers patches) via the enteric autonomic ganglia to the corresponding parts of the spinal cord with a subsequent centripetal spread into the brain. While a simultaneous distribution of PrPsc by using the vagus nerve can not completely be ruled out, evidence for an involvement of the lymphoreticular system was not found. These results are important not only for the understanding of the BSE pathogenesis but also for developing new diagnostic strategies for this infectious disease.
AD Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Boddenblick 5a, 17493 Insel Riems, Germany
SP englisch
PO Italien