Isolation of two distinct prion strains from a scrapie-affected sheep

Arch Virol. 2009;154(12):1929-32. doi: 10.1007/s00705-009-0534-2. Epub 2009 Oct 30.

Abstract

We performed a transmission study using mice to clarify the characteristics of the most recent case of scrapie in Japan. The mice that were inoculated with the brain homogenate from a scrapie-affected sheep developed progressive neurological disease, and one of the scrapie-affected mice showed unique clinical signs during primary transmission. This mouse developed obesity, polydipsia, and polyuria. In contrast, the other affected mice exhibited weight loss and hypokinesia. In subsequent passages, the mice showed distinct characteristic scrapie phenotypes. This finding may prove that different prion strains coexist in a naturally affected sheep with scrapie.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Female
  • Japan
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • PrPSc Proteins* / classification
  • PrPSc Proteins* / metabolism
  • PrPSc Proteins* / pathogenicity
  • Prions / classification
  • Prions / metabolism
  • Prions / pathogenicity
  • Scrapie* / metabolism
  • Scrapie* / physiopathology
  • Scrapie* / transmission
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases* / metabolism
  • Sheep Diseases* / transmission
  • Species Specificity
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • PrPSc Proteins
  • Prions