Neuronal Loss in a Lower Motor Neuron Disease Induced by a Murine Retrovirus

Abstract

An animal model of neuronal loss induced by a murine retrovirus is described. The neurological disease is manifested by a lower limb paralysis and is characterized as a spongiform myeloencephalopathy. The primary determinant of neurovirulence has been mapped within the viral env sequences and a secondary determinant is present within the LTR region. A model of pathogenesis, suggesting that the disease is receptor-mediated, is proposed. © 1991, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation. All rights reserved.