Ileal tract and Peyer's patch innervation in scrapie-free versus scrapie-affected ovines

Arch Virol. 2009;154(4):709-14. doi: 10.1007/s00705-009-0361-5. Epub 2009 Mar 28.

Abstract

Ileal Peyer's patches (PPs) are involved early during sheep scrapie infection. This study qualitatively and semi-quantitatively evaluated ileal tract and PP innervation in 29 Sarda ovines of different age, PrP genotype and scrapie status. A prominent network of fibres was detected within PPs, mainly located in interfollicular lymphoid and stromal components. Intrafollicular fibres were rarely observed, with no apparent differences between scrapie-free and scrapie-affected animals, or among ovines carrying different PrP genotypes. In adult sheep, independent of their scrapie status, nerve fibres could be detected infrequently, close to the follicle-associated epithelium. Fibres were also detected within newly formed follicles and intrafollicular microgranulomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ileum / pathology*
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology*
  • Peyer's Patches / pathology*
  • Scrapie / pathology*
  • Sheep