Comparative study of the transmission of scrapie to the rat following central or peripheral inoculation
Bassant M H.; Gumpel, M.; Cathala, F.; Court, L.; Dormont, D.; Gourmelon, P.
Travaux Scientifiques des Chercheurs du Service de Sante des Armees 5: 225-228
1984
Accession: 005001727
Wistar rats were used to compare the evolution of EEG signs following intracerebral and peripheral (sciatic nerve) inoculation of the scrapie sheep mouse brain C 506 M3 strain. Peripheral inoculation was made in 2 ways, injection into the sciatic nerve left intact and injection at the same site following ligature and section of the sciatic nerve. The 3 lots were compared as to success of transmission, length of incubation time, the nature and location of EEG troubles, and the evolution of vigilance. Three months after the inoculation, all rats inoculated intracerebally and 5 from each of the 2 peripheral inoculation groups had electrodes implanted in various regions of the brain, neck muscles, and eye muscles permitting registration of EEG, electromyography, and electro-oculography. Scrapie was transmitted in all cases regardless of the mode of inoculation. The EEG troubles and their localization was identical in all cases. The appearance of these troubles was more delayed in cases of peripheral inoculation, with a difference of about 60 days, and the appearance of clinical signs was also more delayed for such cases, especially following ligature and section of the sciatic nerve. The diminution of light sleep and of paradoxal sleep in particular was clearer for both peripheral inoculation groups.