Restraint stress decreases virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression during acute Theiler's virus infection

W. Mi, T. W. Prentice, C. R. Young, R. R. Johnson, A. N. Sieve, M. W. Meagher, C. J R Welsh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stressful life events have been associated with the onset and/or exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our previous studies have indicated that restraint stress (RS) reduces inflammation and virus-induced chemokine expression in the Theiler's virus-induced demyelination (TVID) model of MS. Here we report that RS significantly reduced the virus-induced interferon-γ mRNA levels in the brain. Additionally, mRNA levels of lymphotoxin-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ in the brain were negatively correlated with viral titers in the brain. These results indicated an immunosuppressive effect of stress during early TVID causing impaired viral clearance, which may be a potential exacerbating factor for later demyelination.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)49-61
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology
Volume178
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006

Keywords

  • Cytokines
  • Restraint stress
  • Theiler's virus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Restraint stress decreases virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression during acute Theiler's virus infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this