Influenza A virus in the mouse: hepatic and cerebral lesions in a Reye's syndrome-like illness

Abstract

To develop an animal model of Reye's syndrome using a virus associated with the human disease, mice were intravenously inoculated with influenza A/PR8 virus (LD50 4000 haemagglutinin units). One to 3 days later the mice developed lethargy, seizures, coma and death. The cerebrospinal fluid cell count was normal. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels increased 24-fold. Diffuse microvesicular fatty metamorphosis along with multiple small foci of necrosis developed in the liver. Influenza virus-like particles were seen by electron microscopy in the liver, primarily in areas of liver necrosis, but were not seen in the brain. Cerebral oedema without inflammation developed in the brain. Limited viral replication occurred within the liver. Influenza viral antigens were seen in 5-20% of hepatocytes from both necrotic and non-necrotic areas as well as in brain endothelial cells. Many of the clinical, biochemical and pathologic features of the mouse illness resemble those seen in Reye's syndrome. However, this model differs from the human disease in that focal areas of liver necrosis occurred along with limited complete viral replication in liver.