ARS | Publication request: Immunohistochemical Localization of Endothelial and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Within Neurons of Cattle with Rabies

Submitted to: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 12, 2003
Publication Date: May 1, 2004
Citation: Shin, T., Weinstock, D., Castro, M.D., Hamir, A.N., Wampler, T., Walter, M., Kim, H., Acland, H. 2004. Immunohistochemical localization of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase within neurons of cattle with rabies. J. Vet. Med. Sci. vol. 66. p. 539-541.

Interpretive Summary: Rabies is an infectious disease which is caused by a virus and is transmitted via the bite of an infected animal. Soon after infection the virus spreads to the brain and causes severe inflammation. During the process of inflammation many substances are produced by the host animal. We have studied one such host product (nitric oxide synthase) in the laboratory and found that it is produced by brain cells (neurons) and by cells of blood vessels (endothelium) in the brain. This host product may also play a part in modulating the inflammation in the brain.

Technical Abstract: The expression of constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) in the brains of cattle with natural rabies was studied. Increased expression of eNOS was detected in neurons of the brain stem and Purkinje cells of cerebellum. By contrast, iNOS was diffusely localized in the cytoplasm of affected neurons, and some inflammatory cells were positive. eNOS and rabies antigen were co-localized in inclusion bodies (Negri bodies) in neurons. The specific localization of eNOS, but not iNOS, in the Negri bodies suggests that eNOS is involved in the formation of rabies virus inclusion bodies.