Project description:We report the application of bulk RNA sequencing technology for high-throughput profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung of Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).
Project description:Using microarray analyses and subsequent verification by RT-PCR, we studied the changes in gene expression in the inferior colliculus after an ictal event in one models of audiogenic epilepsy, genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal). GASH:Sal, a hamster strain developed at the University of Salamanca, exhibits genetic audiogenic epilepsy similar to human Grand Mal epilepsy. GASH:Sal shows an autosomal recessive inheritance for susceptibility to audiogenic seizures, which manifest more severely in young animals; the seizure severity progressively declines with age. Genetic animal models of epilepsy are an important tool for further understanding the basic cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and for developing novel antiepileptic drugs. We conducted a comparative study of gene expression in the inferior colliculus, a nucleus that triggers audiogenic seizures, using two animal models, the Wistar audiogenic rat (WAR) and the genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal). For this purpose, both models were subjected to auditory stimulation, and 60 minutes after stimulation, the inferior colliculi were collected. As a control, intact Wistar rats and Syrian hamsters were subjected to identical stimulation and tissue preparation protocols to those performed on the experimental animals. A total of 24 animals were used in this study according to the following distribution: 12 control Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and 12 GASH:Sal at 16 weeks of age and a body weight of approximately 60 g. Six animals Syrian and GASH:Sal hamsters, respectively, were exposed to auditory stimulation, and 60 min after the seizures, we harvested the IC for all gene expression analyses (stimulated Syrian hamsters and stimulated GASH:Sal hamsters). As controls, other six animals Syrian and GASH:Sal hamsters, respectively, were not exposed to the same stimulation (Syrian hamsters and GASH:Sal hamsters).
Project description:Syrian golden hamsters were treated with TIP or control RNA and infected with SARS-CoV2, at 5 days post infection, RNA was extracted and RNAseq was performed, uninfected hamsters treated with TIP or Control RNA were used as controls.
Project description:Here we report the transcriptional response to SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian golden hamsters and compare it to the host response against Influenza A virus. The virus replicates fast to high titers in the respiratory tract followed by a local and systemic inflammatory response. A roust IFN-I reponse is mounted and lasts at leaset fourteen days in distal tissues together with other lasting transcriptional changes.
Project description:Hepatic injuries in COVID-19 are not yet fully understood and indirect pathways (without viral replication in the liver) have been associated with the activation of vascular mechanisms of liver injury in humans infected with SARS-CoV-2. Golden Syrian hamsters are an effective model for experimental reproduction of moderate and self-limiting lung disease during SARS-CoV-2 infection. As observed in humans, this experimental model reproduces lesions of bronchointerstitial pneumonia and pulmonary vascular lesions, including endotheliitis (attachment of lymphoid cells to the luminal surface of endothelium). Extrapulmonary vascular lesions are well documented in COVID-19, but such extrapulmonary vascular lesions have not yet been described in the Golden Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study aimed to evaluate microscopic liver lesions in Golden Syrian hamsters experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2. In total, 38 conventional Golden Syrian hamsters, divided into infected group (n=24) and mock-infected group (n=14), were euthanized at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, 14-, and 15-days post infection with SARS-CoV-2. Liver fragments were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemical detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S2 antigens. The frequencies of portal vein endotheliitis, lobular activity, hepatocellular degeneration, and lobular vascular changes were higher among SARS-CoV-2-infected animals. Spike S2 antigen was not detected in liver. The main results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbated vascular and inflammatory lesions in the liver of hamsters with pre-existing hepatitis of unknown origin. A potential application of this animal model in studies of the pathogenesis and evolution of liver lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection still needs further evaluation.
Project description:Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) transfers cholesteryl ester (CE) and triglyceride (TG) between lipoproteins, which alters lipoprotein metabolism. Hamster and human CETPs have very different preferences for CE versus TG as substrate. To assess the impact of altering CETP’s substrate preference on lipoproteins in vivo, human CETP was expressed in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Chow-fed hamsters received adenoviruses expressing no CETP (Ad-Null), hamster CETP (Ad-hamster CETP) or human CETP (Ad-human CETP). High density lipoproteins were isolated from hamster plasma 6 days after adenovirus injection by ultracentrifugation as the 1.063 - 1.21 g/ml density fraction. HDL proteins were precipitated with cold acetone and subjected to LC+MS/MS analysis