Pseudorabies virus causes splenic injury via inducing the oxidative stress and apoptpsos related factors in mice

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an immunosuppressive disease that causes significant damage to the pig industry. This study aimed to detect the effects of PRV on oxidative stress related factors and cell apoptosis in the spleen, providing a basis for the research on the pathogenesis of PRV in mice model. Pathological observation was performed by hematoxylin and eosin Y staining. Biochemical and Flow cytometry method were performed to determine the reactive oxygen species profile of the spleen post-infection and apoptosis detection. In addition, q-PCR and Western blot were adopted to measure the apoptotic conditions of the spleen infected with PRV. The results indicated that the ROS level in the PRV infection group was remarkedly increased ( p <0 01) at a time-dependent pattern. Furthermore, the Malondialdehyde levels in the spleen of mice in the infection group increased significantly ( p <0.01) in a time-dependent mode. However, the Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and Glutathione activity and expression levels in the infection group were significantly decreased with the control group ( p <0 01) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the ratio of splenocyte apoptosis in the infection group significantly increased ( p <0 05, p <0 01) in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, PRV infection causes apoptosis of the spleen via oxidative stress in mice.