RENAL DAMAGE IN MURINE INFECTION WITH REOVIRUS-3 - AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY

Reovirus 3 induces renal damage in neonatal mice which is manifest clinically by proteinuria, haematuria and the presence of granular casts in the urine. Histological changes are minimal. Ultrastructural studies reveal swollen glomerular endothelial and epithelial cells with amorphous osmiophilic deposits in the subendothelial and mesangial regions. The foot processes of epithelial cells are flattened and fused and reflect the presence of proteinuria. The pathogenesis of the glomerulosclerosis is not clear but may be related either to virus invasion or to the concurrent hepatic damage. The virus multiplies in cells of the distal and collecting tubules and also in connective tissue fibroblasts. Infected cells undergo necrosis and can block the lumina of renal tubules and probably produce obstructive changes in the proximal regions of affected nephrons. The pathogenesis of the renal damage is considered and its significance in virus diseases in general is reviewed and discussed in this paper. © 1969 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.