Murine cytomegalovirus myocarditis.

Craighead, J E; Huber, S A; Martin, W B · Eur Heart J · 1991

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Murine cytomegalovirus infects a variety of organs after inoculation into adult male mice. We have established a model of myocarditis in which focal lesions from adjacent to virus-infected endothelial cells. The development of the myocarditis is mediated by CD4+ helper T cells. The lesions fail to develop when these cells are eliminated from the animal by administration of a specific monoclonal antibody. Alternatively, repletion of thymectomized, irradiated and bone-marrow reconstituted animals with CD4+ cells results in myocarditis. The evidence, although incomplete, suggests that a delayed hypersensitivity response is the pathogenetic mechanism involved.

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