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Classical and Atypical Scrapie in Sheep and Goats. Review on the Etiology, Genetic Factors, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Control Measures of Both Diseases. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030691. [PMID: 33806658 PMCID: PMC7999988 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases, such as scrapie, are neurodegenerative diseases with a fatal outcome, caused by a conformational change of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), originating with the pathogenic form (PrPSc). Classical scrapie in small ruminants is the paradigm of prion diseases, as it was the first transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) described and is the most studied. It is necessary to understand the etiological properties, the relevance of the transmission pathways, the infectivity of the tissues, and how we can improve the detection of the prion protein to encourage detection of the disease. The aim of this review is to perform an overview of classical and atypical scrapie disease in sheep and goats, detailing those special issues of the disease, such as genetic factors, diagnostic procedures, and surveillance approaches carried out in the European Union with the objective of controlling the dissemination of scrapie disease.
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Race B, Jeffrey M, McGovern G, Dorward D, Chesebro B. Ultrastructure and pathology of prion protein amyloid accumulation and cellular damage in extraneural tissues of scrapie-infected transgenic mice expressing anchorless prion protein. Prion 2017; 11:234-248. [PMID: 28759310 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2017.1336274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In most human and animal prion diseases the abnormal disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) is deposited as non-amyloid aggregates in CNS, spleen and lymphoid organs. In contrast, in humans and transgenic mice with PrP mutations which cause expression of PrP lacking a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor, most PrPSc is in the amyloid form. In transgenic mice expressing only anchorless PrP (tg anchorless), PrPSc is deposited not only in CNS and lymphoid tissues, but also in extraneural tissues including heart, brown fat, white fat, and colon. In the present paper, we report ultrastructural studies of amyloid PrPSc deposition in extraneural tissues of scrapie-infected tg anchorless mice. Amyloid PrPSc fibrils identified by immunogold-labeling were visible at high magnification in interstitial regions and around blood vessels of heart, brown fat, white fat, colon, and lymphoid tissues. PrPSc amyloid was located on and outside the plasma membranes of adipocytes in brown fat and cardiomyocytes, and appeared to invaginate and disrupt the plasma membranes of these cell types, suggesting cellular damage. In contrast, no cellular damage was apparent near PrPSc associated with macrophages in lymphoid tissues and colon, with enteric neuronal ganglion cells in colon or with adipocytes in white fat. PrPSc localized in macrophage phagolysosomes lacked discernable fibrils and might be undergoing degradation. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type mice expressing GPI-anchored PrP, in lymphoid tissues of tg anchorless mice, PrPSc was not associated with follicular dendritic cells (FDC), and FDC did not display typical prion-associated pathogenic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Race
- a Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Hamilton , MT , USA
| | - Martin Jeffrey
- b Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Lasswade Laboratory , Bush Loan , Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland , UK
| | - Gillian McGovern
- b Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Lasswade Laboratory , Bush Loan , Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland , UK
| | - David Dorward
- c Electron Microscopy Section, Research Technology Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Hamilton , MT , USA
| | - Bruce Chesebro
- a Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Hamilton , MT , USA
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Ersdal C, Ulvund MJ, Espenes A, Benestad SL, Sarradin P, Landsverk T. Mapping PrPScPropagation in Experimental and Natural Scrapie in Sheep with Different PrP Genotypes. Vet Pathol 2016; 42:258-74. [PMID: 15872372 DOI: 10.1354/vp.42-3-258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-one orally inoculated and seven naturally infected sheep with scrapie were examined for PrPScin peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system (CNS), using immunohistochemistry. In the inoculated group, VRQ (valine at codon 136, arginine at codon 154 and glutamine at codon 171)/VRQ sheep generally had a greater accumulation of the pathologic form of prion protein (PrPSc) in peripheral tissues, as compared with VRQ/ARQ (alanine at codon 136, arginine at codon 154, and glutamine at codon 171) animals at corresponding time points after inoculation. PrPScwas not detected in the ileal Peyer's patch, the spleen, the superficial cervical lymph node, and peripheral nervous tissues of several inoculated VRQ/ARQ animals. All inoculated VRQ/VRQ sheep, but only one of eight inoculated VRQ/ARQ animals, were PrPSc-positive in the CNS. Thus, the propagation of PrPScseemed slower and more limited in VRQ/ARQ animals. Tissue and cellular localization of PrPScsuggested that PrPScwas disseminated through three different routes. PrPSc-positive cells in lymph node sinuses and in lymphatics indicated spreading by lymph. The sequential appearance of PrPScin the peripheral nervous system and the CNS, with satellite cells as early targets, suggested the periaxonal transportation of PrPScthrough supportive cells. Focal areas of vascular amyloid-like PrPScin the brain of five sheep, suggested the hematogenous dissemination of PrPSc. There was a poor correlation between the amount of PrPScin the CNS and clinical signs. One subclinically affected sheep showed widespread PrPScaccumulation in the CNS, whereas three sheep had early clinical signs without detectable PrPScin the CNS. A VV136(homozygous for valine at codon 136) sheep inoculated with ARQ/ARR (alanine at codon 136, arginine at codon 154, and arginine at codon 171) tissue succumbed to disease, demonstrating successful heterologous transmission. Less susceptible sheep receiving VRQ/VRQ or ARQ/ARR material were PrPSc-negative by immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ersdal
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Carare RO, Hawkes CA, Jeffrey M, Kalaria RN, Weller RO. Review: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, prion angiopathy, CADASIL and the spectrum of protein elimination failure angiopathies (PEFA) in neurodegenerative disease with a focus on therapy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2013; 39:593-611. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. O. Carare
- Clinical Neurosciences and Experimental Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton; UK
| | - C. A. Hawkes
- Clinical Neurosciences and Experimental Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton; UK
| | - M. Jeffrey
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA); Bush Loan Penicuik; Edinburgh; UK
| | - R. N. Kalaria
- Centre for Brain Ageing & Vitality; Institute for Ageing and Health; Newcastle University; Newcastle Upon Tyne; UK
| | - R. O. Weller
- Clinical Neurosciences and Experimental Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton; UK
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Jeffrey M, McGovern G, Chambers EV, King D, González L, Manson JC, Ghetti B, Piccardo P, Barron RM. Mechanism of PrP-amyloid formation in mice without transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Brain Pathol 2011; 22:58-66. [PMID: 21645162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2011.00508.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) P102L disease is a familial form of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that can present with or without vacuolation of neuropil. Inefficient disease transmission into 101LL transgenic mice was previously observed from GSS P102L without vacuolation. However, several aged, healthy mice had large plaques composed of abnormal prion protein (PrP(d)). Here we perform the ultrastructural characterization of such plaques and compare them with PrP(d) aggregates found in TSE caused by an infectious mechanism. PrP(d) plaques in 101LL mice varied in maturity, with some being composed of deposits without visible amyloid fibrils. PrP(d) was present on cell membranes in the vicinity of all types of plaques. In contrast to the unicentric plaques seen in infectious murine scrapie, the plaques seen in the current model were multicentric and were initiated by protofibrillar forms of PrP(d) situated on oligodendroglia, astrocytes and neuritic cell membranes. We speculate that the initial conversion process leading to plaque formation begins with membrane-bound PrP(C) but that subsequent fibrillization does not require membrane attachment. We also observed that the membrane alterations consistently seen in murine scrapie and other infectious TSEs were not present in 101LL mice with plaques, suggesting differences in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jeffrey
- Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan Penicuik, Midlothian, UK.
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Wemheuer WM, Benestad SL, Wrede A, Wemheuer WE, Brenig B, Bratberg B, Schulz-Schaeffer WJ. PrPSc spreading patterns in the brain of sheep linked to different prion types. Vet Res 2011; 42:32. [PMID: 21324114 PMCID: PMC3050706 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrapie in sheep and goats has been known for more than 250 years and belongs nowadays to the so-called prion diseases that also include e.g. bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. According to the prion hypothesis, the pathological isoform (PrPSc) of the cellular prion protein (PrPc) comprises the essential, if not exclusive, component of the transmissible agent. Currently, two types of scrapie disease are known - classical and atypical/Nor98 scrapie. In the present study we examine 24 cases of classical and 25 cases of atypical/Nor98 scrapie with the sensitive PET blot method and validate the results with conventional immunohistochemistry. The sequential detection of PrPSc aggregates in the CNS of classical scrapie sheep implies that after neuroinvasion a spread from spinal cord and obex to the cerebellum, diencephalon and frontal cortex via the rostral brainstem takes place. We categorize the spread of PrPSc into four stages: the CNS entry stage, the brainstem stage, the cruciate sulcus stage and finally the basal ganglia stage. Such a sequential development of PrPSc was not detectable upon analysis of the present atypical/Nor98 scrapie cases. PrPSc distribution in one case of atypical/Nor98 scrapie in a presumably early disease phase suggests that the spread of PrPSc aggregates starts in the di- or telencephalon. In addition to the spontaneous generation of PrPSc, an uptake of the infectious agent into the brain, that bypasses the brainstem and starts its accumulation in the thalamus, needs to be taken into consideration for atypical/Nor98 scrapie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke M Wemheuer
- Prion and Dementia Research Unit, Department of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Robert-Koch Str, 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
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Jeffrey M, McGovern G, Sisó S, González L. Cellular and sub-cellular pathology of animal prion diseases: relationship between morphological changes, accumulation of abnormal prion protein and clinical disease. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 121:113-34. [PMID: 20532540 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0700-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases of animals are characterised by CNS spongiform change, gliosis and the accumulation of disease-associated forms of prion protein (PrP(d)). Particularly in ruminant prion diseases, a wide range of morphological types of PrP(d) depositions are found in association with neurons and glia. When light microscopic patterns of PrP(d) accumulations are correlated with sub-cellular structure, intracellular PrP(d) co-localises with lysosomes while non-intracellular PrP(d) accumulation co-localises with cell membranes and the extracellular space. Intracellular lysosomal PrP(d) is N-terminally truncated, but the site at which the PrP(d) molecule is cleaved depends on strain and cell type. Different PrP(d) cleavage sites are found for different cells infected with the same agent indicating that not all PrP(d) conformers code for different prion strains. Non-intracellular PrP(d) is full-length and is mainly found on plasma-lemmas of neuronal perikarya and dendrites and glia where it may be associated with scrapie-specific membrane pathology. These membrane changes appear to involve a redirection of the predominant axonal trafficking of normal cellular PrP and an altered endocytosis of PrP(d). PrP(d) is poorly excised from membranes, probably due to increased stabilisation on the membrane of PrP(d) complexed with other membrane ligands. PrP(d) on plasma-lemmas may also be transferred to other cells or released to the extracellular space. It is widely assumed that PrP(d) accumulations cause neurodegenerative changes that lead to clinical disease. However, when different animal prion diseases are considered, neurological deficits do not correlate well with any morphological type of PrP(d) accumulation or perturbation of PrP(d) trafficking. Non-PrP(d)-associated neurodegenerative changes in TSEs include vacuolation, tubulovesicular bodies and terminal axonal degeneration. The last of these correlates well with early neurological disease in mice, but such changes are absent from large animal prion disease. Thus, the proximate cause of clinical disease in animal prion disease is uncertain, but may not involve PrP(d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jeffrey
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Lasswade Laboratory, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
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Accelerated prion replication in, but prolonged survival times of, prion-infected CXCR3-/- mice. J Virol 2008; 82:12464-71. [PMID: 18842729 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01371-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases have a significant inflammatory component. Glia activation, which is associated with increased production of cytokines and chemokines, may play an important role in disease development. Among the chemokines upregulated highly and early upregulated during scrapie infections are ligands of CXCR3. To gain more insight into the role of CXCR3 in a prion model, CXCR3-deficient (CXCR3(-/-)) mice were infected intracerebrally with scrapie strain 139A and characterized in comparison to similarly infected wild-type controls. CXCR3(-/-) mice showed significantly prolonged survival times of up to 30 days on average. Surprisingly, however, they displayed accelerated accumulation of misfolded proteinase K-resistant prion protein PrP(Sc) and 20 times higher infectious prion titers than wild-type mice at the asymptomatic stage of the disease, indicating that these PrP isoforms may not be critical determinants of survival times. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and gene expression analysis, CXCR3-deficient animals develop an excessive astrocytosis. However, microglia activation is reduced. Quantitative analysis of gliosis-associated gene expression alterations demonstrated reduced mRNA levels for a number of proinflammatory factors in CXCR3(-/-) compared to wild-type mice, indicating a weaker inflammatory response in the knockout mice. Taken together, this murine prion model identifies CXCR3 as disease-modifying host factor and indicates that inflammatory glial responses may act in concert with PrP(Sc) in disease development. Moreover, the results indicate that targeting CXCR3 for treatment of prion infections could prolong survival times, but the results also raise the concern that impairment of microglial migration by ablation or inhibition of CXCR3 could result in increased accumulation of misfolded PrP(Sc).
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Simon S, Nugier J, Morel N, Boutal H, Créminon C, Benestad SL, Andréoletti O, Lantier F, Bilheude JM, Feyssaguet M, Biacabe AG, Baron T, Grassi J. Rapid typing of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy strains with differential ELISA. Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 14:608-16. [PMID: 18394279 PMCID: PMC2570920 DOI: 10.3201/eid1404.071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A strain-typing ELISA distinguishes bovine spongiform encephalopathy from other scrapie strains in small ruminants. The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent has been transmitted to humans, leading to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Sheep and goats can be experimentally infected by BSE and have been potentially exposed to natural BSE; however, whether BSE can be transmitted to small ruminants is not known. Based on the particular biochemical properties of the abnormal prion protein (PrPsc) associated with BSE, and particularly the increased degradation induced by proteinase K in the N terminal part of PrPsc, we have developed a rapid ELISA designed to distinguish BSE from other scrapie strains. This assay clearly discriminates experimental ovine BSE from other scrapie strains and was used to screen 260 transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)–infected small ruminant samples identified by the French active surveillance network (2002/2003). In this context, this test has helped to identify the first case of natural BSE in a goat and can be used to classify TSE isolates based on the proteinase K sensitivity of PrPsc.
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Salguero FJ, Díaz-San SF, Brun A, Cano MJ, Torres JM. Comparison of three monoclonal antibodies for use in immunohistochemical detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy protease-resistant prion protein. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 18:106-9. [PMID: 16566267 DOI: 10.1177/104063870601800117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Confirmatory diagnosis of prion diseases in humans and animals relies on the histopathological examination and immunodetection of the protease-resistant isoform of prion protein (PrPres). The generation of novel PrP-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has greatly improved diagnostic methodology and basic research on prion diseases as well. In this study, the performance of 3 different PrP-specific MAbs in recognizing brain PrPres deposits from cows affected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was compared by using a standard immunohistochemical technique under different pretreatment conditions. All antibodies showed similar reactivity after denaturing treatment. However, greater differences were found among them after proteinase K treatment, even in the absence of a denaturing step. In fact, 1 MAb (2A11) was able to react with PrPres deposits in the absence of a denaturing step, yielding the strongest signal and confirming the usefulness of MAb 2A11 in immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of BSE.
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Priola SA, Vorberg I. Molecular aspects of disease pathogenesis in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Mol Biotechnol 2007; 33:71-88. [PMID: 16691009 DOI: 10.1385/mb:33:1:71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), or prion diseases, are a group of rare, fatal, and transmissible neurodegenerative diseases of mammals for which there are no known viral or bacterial etiological agents. The bovine form of these diseases, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), has crossed over into humans to cause variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. As a result, BSE and the TSE diseases are now considered a significant threat to human health. Understanding the basic mechanisms of TSE pathogenesis is essential for the development of effective TSE diagnostic tests and anti-TSE therapeutic regimens. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms that underlie this enigmatic group of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette A Priola
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, 903 S. 4th St., Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
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12
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Schwarz A, Burwinkel M, Riemer C, Schultz J, Baier M. Unchanged scrapie pathology in brain tissue of tyrosine kinase Fyn-deficient mice. NEURODEGENER DIS 2006; 1:266-8. [PMID: 16908977 DOI: 10.1159/000085065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2004] [Accepted: 10/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fyn is a 59-kDa member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases synthesized on cytosolic polysomes and then targeted to the plasma membrane where it clusters in caveolae-like membrane microdomains. The cellular isoform of the prion protein (PrP) has also been identified to be a caveolar constituent and to participate in signal transduction events concerning cell survival and differentiation via recruitment of Fyn. We studied the scrapie infection of mice deficient for Fyn (Fyn(-/-)) to clarify the role of Fyn in an in vivo model of transmissible spongiforme encephalopathies. Fyn(-/-) mice died on average 9 days earlier than wild-type control mice, but no differences were seen regarding activation of astrocytes, vacuolization of the neuropil, and accumulation of misfolded prion protein. The experimental model suggests that a deficiency for Fyn is detrimental in prion diseases, although it has no major effect on the clinical course of an experimental prion infection of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schwarz
- Project Neurodegenerative Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Nandi PK, Bera A, Sizaret PY. Osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide converts recombinant alpha-helical prion protein to its soluble beta-structured form at high temperature. J Mol Biol 2006; 362:810-20. [PMID: 16949096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 07/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The thermal unfolding of full-length human recombinant alpha-helical prion protein (alpha-PrP) in neutral pH is reversible, whereas, in the presence of the osmolyte N-trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), the protein acquires a beta-sheet structure at higher temperatures and the thermal unfolding of the protein is irreversible. Lysozyme, an amyloidogenic protein similar to prion protein, regains alpha-helical structure on cooling from its thermally unfolded form in buffer and in TMAO solutions. The thermal stability of alpha-PrP decreases, whereas that of lysozyme increases in TMAO solution. Light-scattering and turbidity values indicate that beta-sheet prion protein exists as soluble oligomers that increase thioflavin T fluorescence and bind to 1-anilino 8-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS). The oligomers are resistant to proteinase K digestion and during incubation for long periods they form linear amyloids>5 microm long. The comparable fluorescence polarization of the tryptophan groups and their accessibility to acrylamide in alpha-PrP and oligomers indicate that the unstructured N-terminal segments of the protein, which contain the tryptophan groups, do not associate among themselves during oligomerization. Partial unfolding of alpha-helical prion protein in TMAO solution leads to its structural conversion to misfolded beta-sheet form. The formation of the misfolded prion protein oligomers and their polymerization to amyloids in TMAO are unusual, since the osmolyte generally induces denatured protein to fold to a native-like state and protects proteins from thermal denaturation and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Nandi
- Infectiologie Animale et Santé Publique, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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Sharpe A, McElroy M, Bassett H, Sweeney T. Clinical and pathological features of experimental scrapie in Irish Blackface Mountain sheep. Res Vet Sci 2006; 80:71-8. [PMID: 15961130 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2005.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Revised: 02/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There have been no reports of natural scrapie in Irish Blackface Mountain (BM) sheep which account for approximately 16% of the Irish national sheep flock. The aim of this study was to determine if Irish BM sheep had unusual clinical and/or pathological features of scrapie which would account for failure to diagnose the disease in this breed. BM (n=7), Texel (n=3) and Suffolk sheep (n=1) of scrapie-susceptible PrP genotypes (ARQ/ARQ and VRQ/ARQ) were orally challenged with scrapie-infected brain inoculum. The incubation period, clinical signs, pathology and distribution of disease specific prion protein (PrP(d)) in scrapie-affected BM sheep were similar to scrapie in the Texel and Suffolk sheep. It was concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that scrapie in BM sheep differs clinicopathologically from scrapie in other breeds of sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sharpe
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Abbotstown, Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland.
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Everest SJ, Thorne L, Barnicle DA, Edwards JC, Elliott H, Jackman R, Hope J. Atypical prion protein in sheep brain collected during the British scrapie-surveillance programme. J Gen Virol 2006; 87:471-477. [PMID: 16432036 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81539-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrapie of sheep and goats is the most common prion disease (or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, TSE) of mammals and aggregates of abnormal, proteinase-resistant prion protein (PrPSc) are found in all naturally occurring prion diseases. During active surveillance of British sheep for TSEs, 29 201 sheep brain stem samples were collected from abattoirs and analysed for the presence of PrPSc. Of these samples, 54 were found to be positive by using an ELISA screening test, but 28 of these could not be confirmed initially by immunohistochemistry. These unconfirmed or atypical cases were generally found in PrP genotypes normally associated with relative resistance to clinical scrapie and further biochemical analysis revealed that they contained forms of PrPSc with a relatively protease-sensitive amyloid core, some resembling those of Nor98 scrapie. The presence of these atypical forms of protease-resistant PrP raises concerns that some TSE disorders of PrP metabolism previously may have escaped identification in the British sheep population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Everest
- Department of TSE Molecular Biology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - L Thorne
- Department of TSE Molecular Biology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - D A Barnicle
- Department of TSE Molecular Biology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - J C Edwards
- Department of TSE Molecular Biology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - H Elliott
- Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright Laboratory, Woking, Surrey, UK
| | - R Jackman
- Department of TSE Molecular Biology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - J Hope
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency Lasswade, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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Ligios C, Dexter G, Spiropoulos J, Maestrale C, Carta A, Simmons MM. Distribution of Vascular Amyloid in Scrapie-affected Sheep with Different Genotypes. J Comp Pathol 2004; 131:271-6. [PMID: 15511535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2003.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2003] [Accepted: 04/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vascular amyloidosis in the brain is a pathological feature of ovine scrapie. Its occurrence varies between sheep, but whether this variation reflects differences in the host or the infecting scrapie strain (or both) is not clear. To investigate whether amyloidosis, like vacuolation and PrPsc distribution, is associated with genotype, the brains from 131 sheep representing a range of genotypes commonly associated with scrapie were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. Vascular amyloidosis was absent in 66 sheep, 59 of which were of the ARQ/ARQ genotype and seven the ARQ/AHQ genotype. In contrast, it was found in four of 39 ARQ/VRQ sheep (10.2%) and in 10 of 26 VRQ/VRQ sheep (38.4%). The distribution of amyloid was highly variable, but the most severely affected areas were the lateral geniculate nuclei (five cases) and the ventral thalamic nuclei (four cases). No amyloidosis was found in the medulla or in the basal nuclei. From this preliminary study it was concluded that amyloidosis is relatively rare in sheep with scrapie. Moreover, its occurrence appeared to depend on the presence of at least one valine at codon 136.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ligios
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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17
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Schultz J, Schwarz A, Neidhold S, Burwinkel M, Riemer C, Simon D, Kopf M, Otto M, Baier M. Role of interleukin-1 in prion disease-associated astrocyte activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2004; 165:671-8. [PMID: 15277240 PMCID: PMC1618583 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prion-induced chronic neurodegeneration has a substantial inflammatory component, and the activation of glia cells may play an important role in disease development and progression. However, the functional contribution of cytokines to the development of the gliosis in vivo was never systematically studied. We report here that the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-1beta-converting enzyme, and IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1RI) is up-regulated in a murine scrapie model. The scrapie-induced gliosis in IL-1RI(-/-) mice was characterized by an attenuated activation of astrocytes in the asymptomatic stage of the disease and a reduced expression of CXCR3 ligands. Furthermore, the accumulation of the misfolded isoform of the prion protein PrP(Sc) was significantly delayed in the IL-1RI(-/-) mice. These observations indicate that IL-1 is a driver of the scrapie-associated astrocytosis and possibly the accompanying amyloid deposition. In addition, scrapie-infected IL-1RI-deficient (IL-1RI(-/-)) mice showed a delayed disease onset and significantly prolonged survival times suggesting that an anti-inflammatory therapeutical approach to suppress astrocyte activation and/or glial IL-1 expression may help to delay disease onset in established prion infections of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schultz
- Project "Neurodegenerative Diseases," Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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18
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Bailly Y, Haeberlé AM, Blanquet-Grossard F, Chasserot-Golaz S, Grant N, Schulze T, Bombarde G, Grassi J, Cesbron JY, Lemaire-Vieille C. Prion protein (PrPc) immunocytochemistry and expression of the green fluorescent protein reporter gene under control of the bovine PrP gene promoter in the mouse brain. J Comp Neurol 2004; 473:244-69. [PMID: 15101092 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) by host cells is required for prion replication and neuroinvasion in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. As a consequence, identification of the cell types expressing PrP(c) is necessary to determine the target cells involved in the cerebral propagation of prion diseases. To identify the cells expressing PrP(c) in the mouse brain, the immunocytochemical localization of PrP(c) was investigated at the cellular and ultrastructural levels in several brain regions. In addition, we analyzed the expression pattern of a green fluorescent protein reporter gene under the control of regulatory sequences of the bovine prion protein gene in the brain of transgenic mice. By using a preembedding immunogold technique, neuronal PrP(c) was observed mainly bound to the cell surface and presynaptic sites. Dictyosomes and recycling organelles in most of the major neuron types also exhibited PrP(c) antigen. In the olfactory bulb, neocortex, putamen, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum, the distribution pattern of both green fluorescent protein and PrP(c) immunoreactivity suggested that the transgenic regulatory sequences of the bovine PrP gene were sufficient to promote expression of the reporter gene in neurons that express immunodetectable endogenous PrP(c). Transgenic mice expressing PrP-GFP may thus provide attractive murine models for analyzing the transcriptional activity of the Prnp gene during prion infections as well as the anatomopathological kinetics of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Bailly
- Neurotransmission et Sécrétion Neuroendocrine UPR 2356 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, IFR37 des Neurosciences, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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19
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Lezmi S, Martin S, Simon S, Comoy E, Bencsik A, Deslys JP, Grassi J, Jeffrey M, Baron T. Comparative molecular analysis of the abnormal prion protein in field scrapie cases and experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy in sheep by use of Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. J Virol 2004; 78:3654-62. [PMID: 15016886 PMCID: PMC371064 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.7.3654-3662.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the appearance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and its linkage with the human variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the possible spread of this agent to sheep flocks has been of concern as a potential new source of contamination. Molecular analysis of the protease cleavage of the abnormal prion protein (PrP), by Western blotting (PrP(res)) or by immunohistochemical methods (PrP(d)), has shown some potential to distinguish BSE and scrapie in sheep. Using a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we identified 18 infected sheep in which PrP(res) showed an increased sensitivity to proteinase K digestion. When analyzed by Western blotting, two of them showed a low molecular mass of unglycosylated PrP(res) as found in BSE-infected sheep, in contrast to other naturally infected sheep. A decrease of the labeling by P4 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes an epitope close to the protease cleavage site, was also found by Western blotting in the former two samples, but this was less marked than in BSE-infected sheep. These two samples, and all of the other natural scrapie cases studied, were clearly distinguishable from those from sheep inoculated with the BSE agent from either French or British cattle by immunohistochemical analysis of PrP(d) labeling in the brain and lymphoid tissues. Final characterization of the strain involved in these samples will require analysis of the features of the disease following infection of mice, but our data already emphasize the need to use the different available methods to define the molecular properties of abnormal PrP and its possible similarities with the BSE agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Lezmi
- Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments, Unité Virologie-ATNC, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France
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20
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Burwinkel M, Schwarz A, Riemer C, Schultz J, van Landeghem F, Baier M. Rapid disease development in scrapie-infected mice deficient for CD40 ligand. EMBO Rep 2004; 5:527-31. [PMID: 15071493 PMCID: PMC1299046 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2003] [Revised: 11/25/2003] [Accepted: 02/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of CD40-CD40L interaction-mediated signalling was suggested as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Conversely, CD40-deficient neurons were reported to be more vulnerable to stress associated with ageing as well as nerve growth factor-beta and serum withdrawal. We studied the scrapie infection of CD40L-deficient (CD40L(-/-)) mice to see whether ablation of the CD40L gene would be beneficial or detrimental in this model of a neurodegenerative amyloidosis. CD40L(-/-) mice died on average 40 days earlier than wild-type control mice and exhibited a more pronounced vacuolation of the neuropil and an increased microglia activation. The experimental model indicates that a deficiency for CD40L is highly detrimental in prion diseases and reinforces the neuroprotective function of intact CD40-CD40L interactions. The stimulation of neuroprotective pathways may represent a possibility to delay therapeutically the disease onset in prion infections of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Burwinkel
- Project 'Neurodegenerative Diseases', Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Schwarz
- Project 'Neurodegenerative Diseases', Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Tel: +49 30 45472524; Fax: +49 30 45472609; E-mail:
| | - Constanze Riemer
- Project 'Neurodegenerative Diseases', Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Schultz
- Project 'Neurodegenerative Diseases', Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank van Landeghem
- Institute of Neuropathology, Humboldt-University, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Baier
- Project 'Neurodegenerative Diseases', Robert-Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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21
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Ersdal C, Simmons MM, Goodsir C, Martin S, Jeffrey M. Sub-cellular pathology of scrapie: coated pits are increased in PrP codon 136 alanine homozygous scrapie-affected sheep. Acta Neuropathol 2003; 106:17-28. [PMID: 12669239 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-003-0690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2002] [Revised: 12/23/2002] [Accepted: 02/03/2003] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sub-cellular studies of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) have been carried out on several animal species and human beings. However, studies of optimal perfusion-fixed tissues have largely been confined to examination of rodents. Using a recently developed technique, heads of scrapie-affected sheep and controls were perfusion fixed with mixed aldehydes. The obexes were immunohistochemically labelled with PrP antibodies, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve was examined by electron microscopy. Irregular neuritic profiles with highly invaginated membranes, associated with coated pits were found in all scrapie-affected sheep, but not in controls. Interestingly, they were consistently more frequent in the homozygous A(136) sheep. This is the first report describing sub-cellular differences in pathology associated with different PrP genotypes. Rarely, amorphous material, or sparse fibrillar structures, were present in the extracellular space. The changes were often associated with irregular plasmalemma and frequent coated pits. Vacuolation typical of TSEs, dystrophic neurites and variable gliosis were present. Herniation of membranes and organelles from apparently healthy processes into adjacent vacuoles and dendrites was also observed. We suggest that the increase in coated pits and plasmalemma invagination is related to an attempted internalisation of aggregated disease-specific PrP, or protofilaments, from the extracellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Ersdal
- Department of Sheep and Goat Research, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146, Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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22
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Simak J, Holada K, Vostal JG. Expression of cellular prion protein on vascular endothelial cells: more evidence than controversies. Transfusion 2003. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2003.00366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Jeffrey M, Martin S, González L. Cell-associated variants of disease-specific prion protein immunolabelling are found in different sources of sheep transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. J Gen Virol 2003; 84:1033-1046. [PMID: 12655107 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.18825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases affecting domestic and exotic ruminants. In previous immunohistochemical studies, we have shown that different sheep TSE sources may be distinguished by both the proportion of disease-specific prion protein (PrP(d)) accumulation relative to different cell types in the brain (the 'PrP(d) profile') and by different labelling patterns for PrP peptide sequences within phagocytic cells. In the present study, we have further characterized the intracellular accumulation patterns of PrP(d) in the lymphoreticular system (LRS) and in the brain of sheep clinically affected with scrapie or BSE. BSE-infected PrP(ARQ/ARQ) sheep of different breeds were compared with scrapie-infected sheep of different PrP genotypes. Cases of BSE infection could be distinguished from scrapie cases by a marked reduction in labelling of PrP(d) containing the 84-105 amino acid residues in phagocytic cells of the LRS and in neurones and glia of the brain. These results therefore indicate that TSE agent-dependent processing of PrP in specific cell types within the brain and LRS can be used to distinguish between BSE in PrP(ARQ/ARQ) sheep and scrapie in sheep of several PrP genotypes. Three different N-terminal peptide antibody labelling patterns were recognized for different cell types in different tissues of BSE-infected sheep, suggesting that different truncated forms of PrP(d) are formed following infections with this agent strain. These variations in the cleavage sites of BSE PrP(d) may be due to cell-specific variation in endosomal-lysosomal digestion or to cell- and tissue-specific differences in BSE PrP(d) conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jeffrey
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - S Martin
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - L González
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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24
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Abstract
Scrapie and CWD share many features. There are marked similarities in the clinical presentations, the lesions, and the pathogenesis of these diseases, and some similarities in the epidemiology. Extrapolation from the scrapie model of TSE disease to CWD--which occurs in three different species, and should not be considered to be uniform in their response--may be erroneous, however. Such differences may influence diagnostics (e.g., the amount and distribution of PrPC in these different species), pathogenesis (e.g., the influence of genetics on susceptibility and resistance), and epidemiology (e.g., the mode and dynamics of transmission and influences of domestication). IHC is used widely for diagnostics and in the study of the pathogenesis of scrapie and CWD. This technique holds promise for antemortem diagnosis of infection in the peripheral lymphoid tissues such as lymphoid follicles of the nictitating membrane and the tonsil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Williams
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY 82070, USA.
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25
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Andréoletti O, Berthon P, Levavasseur E, Marc D, Lantier F, Monks E, Elsen JM, Schelcher F. Phenotyping of protein-prion (PrPsc)-accumulating cells in lymphoid and neural tissues of naturally scrapie-affected sheep by double-labeling immunohistochemistry. J Histochem Cytochem 2002; 50:1357-70. [PMID: 12364569 DOI: 10.1177/002215540205001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by amyloid deposition of protein-prion (PrPsc), the pathogenic isoform of the host cellular protein PrPc, in the immune and central nervous systems. In the absence of definitive data on the nature of the infectious agent, PrPsc immunohistochemistry (IHC) constitutes one of the main methodologies for pathogenesis studies of these diseases. In situ PrPsc immunolabeling requires formalin fixation and paraffin embedding of tissues, followed by post-embedding antigen retrieval steps such as formic acid and hydrated autoclaving treatments. These procedures result in poor cellular antigen preservation, precluding the phenotyping of cells involved in scrapie pathogenesis. Until now, PrPsc-positive cell phenotyping relied mainly on morphological criteria. To identify these cells under the PrPsc IHC conditions, a new, rapid, and highly sensitive PrPsc double-labeling technique was developed, using a panel of screened antibodies that allow specific labeling of most of the cell subsets and structures using paraffin-embedded lymphoid and neural tissues from sheep, leading to an accurate identification of ovine PrPsc-accumulating cells. This technique constitutes a useful tool for IHC investigation of scrapie pathogenesis and may be applicable to the study of other ovine infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Andréoletti
- UMR INRA-ENVT, Physiopathologie Infectieuse et Parasitaire des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Toulouse, France.
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26
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Simák J, Holada K, D'Agnillo F, Janota J, Vostal JG. Cellular prion protein is expressed on endothelial cells and is released during apoptosis on membrane microparticles found in human plasma. Transfusion 2002; 42:334-42. [PMID: 11961239 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2002.00072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood and plasma of animals experimentally infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) can transmit TSE infection by transfusion. A conformational isoform of prion protein (PrPsc) is believed to be the TSE-infectious agent that propagates by converting the cellular prion protein (PrPc) to additional molecules of PrPsc. In orally infected animals, PrPsc accumulates in intestinal endothelial cells. In blood, two thirds of PrPc resides in plasma, but its source is not known. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The expression of PrPc in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was studied using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR. Flow cytometry was used to characterize endothelial membrane microparticles (MPs) in cell culture supernatants and in normal human plasma. RESULTS HUVECs and bovine aorta endothelial cells express PrPc. The number of surface PrPc molecules per cell in HUVECs was 58,000 +/- 2,800. The induction of apoptosis in HUVECs led to a marked release of membrane MPs (60,000-80,000 MPs/10(3) cells) that expressed PrPc and other endothelial antigens. The presence of endothelial cell-derived MPs expressing PrPc was demonstrated in platelet-free human plasma. CONCLUSION Endothelial cell apoptosis is associated with the release of PrPc-positive MPs. These MPs contribute to the PrPc pool in plasma and may have a role in disseminating TSE infectivity in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Simák
- Laboratory of Cellular Hematology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 28092, USA
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27
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Jeffrey M, Martin S, González L, Ryder SJ, Bellworthy SJ, Jackman R. Differential diagnosis of infections with the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie agents in sheep. J Comp Pathol 2001; 125:271-84. [PMID: 11798244 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.2001.0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease belong to the group of disorders called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases. The possibility that some sheep may be infected with the BSE agent is of human and animal health concern. Immunohistochemical methods were used to identify specific prion protein (PrP) peptide sequences in specific cell types of the brain and lymphoreticular system (LRS) of sheep with natural scrapie and Suffolk and Romney sheep infected experimentally with the BSE agent. Clinically affected and some pre-clinical cases of BSE infection could be distinguished from scrapie cases by the lesser amount of labelling of PrP containing the 84-102 amino-acid peptide sequences in phagocytic cells of the LRS and brain. Additionally, BSE-infected sheep had higher degrees of intra-neuronal PrP accumulation in the brain, as detected by labelling for a range of PrP peptide sequences. These results suggest that there is strain-dependent processing of PrP in specific cell types within the nervous system and LRS which can be used to distinguish BSE- and scrapie-infected sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jeffrey
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), VLA Lasswade, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 OPZ, UK
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Ryder SJ, Spencer YI, Bellerby PJ, March SA. Immunohistochemical detection of PrP in the medulla oblongata of sheep: the spectrum of staining in normal and scrapie-affected sheep. Vet Rec 2001; 148:7-13. [PMID: 11200410 DOI: 10.1136/vr.148.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Sections of the medulla oblongata from the brains of sheep were examined for prion protein (PrP) by immunohistochemistry. On the basis of the morphology and neuroanatomical distribution of the deposits, distinct disease-associated patterns of PrP deposition were identified in scrapie-affected sheep, suggesting at least four distinct phenotypes of scrapie. In addition, clearly defined patterns of PrP deposition, readily distinguished from the disease-associated PrP deposits, were identified in some normal sheep from scrapie-free flocks. In five sheep, believed to be preclinically affected by scrapie, PrP deposition of a disease-specific type but of restricted distribution was identified, demonstrating the sensitivity of the technique for the diagnosis of scrapie. The neuroanatomical distribution of these early PrP deposits suggest that the route of entry of the scrapie agent into the brain is via parasympathetic motor neurons in the vagus nerve which innervate the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Ryder
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey
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29
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Heggebø R, Press CM, Gunnes G, Inge Lie K, Tranulis MA, Ulvund M, Groschup MH, Landsverk T. Distribution of prion protein in the ileal Peyer's patch of scrapie-free lambs and lambs naturally and experimentally exposed to the scrapie agent. J Gen Virol 2000; 81:2327-2337. [PMID: 10950992 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-81-9-2327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A sensitive immunohistochemical procedure was used to investigate the presence of prion protein (PrP) in the ileal Peyer's patch of PrP-genotyped lambs, including scrapie-free lambs and lambs naturally and experimentally exposed to the scrapie agent. The tyramide signal amplification system was used to enhance the sensitivity of conventional immunohistochemical procedures to show that PrP was widely distributed in the enteric nervous plexus supplying the gut wall. In scrapie-free lambs, PrP was also detected in scattered cells in the lamina propria and in the dome and interfollicular areas of the Peyer's patch. In the follicles, staining for PrP was mainly confined to the capsule and cells associated with vascular structures in the light central zone. In lambs naturally exposed to the scrapie agent, staining was prominent in the dome and neck region of the follicles and was also found to be associated with the follicle-associated epithelium. Similar observations were made in lambs that had received a single oral dose of scrapie-infected brain material from sheep with a homologous and heterologous PrP genotype 1 and 5 weeks previously. These studies show that the ileal Peyer's patch in young sheep may be an important site of uptake of the scrapie agent and that the biology of this major gut-associated lymphoid tissue may influence the susceptibility to oral infection in sheep. Furthermore, these studies suggest that homology or heterology between PrP genotypes or the presence of PrP genotypes seldom associated with disease does not impede uptake of PrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragna Heggebø
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charles McL Press
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gjermund Gunnes
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kai Inge Lie
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael A Tranulis
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martha Ulvund
- Department of Sheep and Goat Research, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4300 Sandnes, Norway3
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Federal Research Centre for Virus Diseases of Animals, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany4
| | - Thor Landsverk
- Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology1 and Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition2, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep., N-0033, Oslo, Norway
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30
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Simmons MM, Ryder SJ, Chaplin MC, Spencer YI, Webb CR, Hoinville LJ, Ryan J, Stack MJ, Wells GA, Wilesmith JW. Scrapie surveillance in Great Britain: results of an abattoir survey, 1997/98. Vet Rec 2000; 146:391-5. [PMID: 10791466 DOI: 10.1136/vr.146.14.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A randomised sample of 2,809 apparently healthy sheep, 55 per cent of them less than 15 months of age, which were slaughtered for human consumption at abattoirs in Great Britain in 1997/98, was taken to establish the prevalence of scrapie infection. The medulla oblongata of each sheep was examined histopathologically at the level of the obex, and fresh brain tissue was examined for scrapie-associated fibrils (SAF) to establish whether there was evidence of scrapie. In addition, histological sections of the medulla from 500 of the sheep were immunostained with an antiserum to PrP, and the same technique was also applied to any animal found positive or inconclusive by the histological or SAF examinations. Any sheep which was positive by any of these diagnostic methods was also examined by Western immunoblotting, for the detection of the disease-specific protein PrP(Sc). A total of 2,798 sheep (99.6 per cent) were negative by all the methods applied. Ten animals were SAF-positive but negative by all the other methods, and in one animal there was immunohistochemical staining which could not be interpreted unequivocally as disease-specific. A mathematical model was used to estimate the prevalence of scrapie infection in the national slaughtered sheep population which would be consistent with these results. By this model, the absence of unequivocally substantiated cases of scrapie in the sample was consistent with a prevalence of infection in the slaughter population of up to 11 per cent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Simmons
- Department of Epidemiology, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey
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31
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Ryder SJ, Hawkins SA, Dawson M, Wells GA. The neuropathology of experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the pig. J Comp Pathol 2000; 122:131-43. [PMID: 10684682 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.1999.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In an experimental study of the transmissibility of BSE to the pig, seven of 10 pigs, infected at 1-2 weeks of age by multiple-route parenteral inoculation with a homogenate of bovine brain from natural BSE cases developed lesions typical of spongiform encephalopathy. The lesions consisted principally of severe neuropil vacuolation affecting most areas of the brain, but mainly the forebrain. In addition, some vacuolar change was identified in the rostral colliculi and hypothalamic areas of normal control pigs. PrP accumulations were detected immunocytochemically in the brains of BSE-infected animals. PrP accumulation was sparse in many areas and its density was not obviously related to the degree of vacuolation. The patterns of PrP immunolabelling in control pigs differed strikingly from those in the infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Ryder
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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32
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Hardt M, Baron T, Groschup MH. A comparative study of immunohistochemical methods for detecting abnormal prion protein with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. J Comp Pathol 2000; 122:43-53. [PMID: 10627390 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.1999.0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are associated with the accumulation of abnormal prion protein (PrP(Sc)) in the central nervous system which can be detected immunohistochemically. Using a monoclonal antibody (L42) to an epitope on the first alpha-helix of ruminant PrP, we compared previously reported immunohistochemical antigen unmasking and "visualization" systems. In addition, a variety of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to other epitopes on ruminant PrP were assessed. Antigen unmasking by hydrated autoclaving and proteinase K treatments, and antigen detection with L42 and an avidin-biotin complex system, enabled intra- and extra-neuronal PrP(Sc)to be demonstrated in scrapie-affected sheep carrying three different PrP alleles, as well as in cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hardt
- Federal Research Centre for Virus Diseases of Animals, Tübingen, Germany
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