Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young children and infants. Since possibilities to study RSV infection in humans are limited, various animal models have been developed. Balb/C mice permit spread of RSV in the lungs upon nasal inoculation with the virus, but they have not been found to develop signs of respiratory distress. However, inflammatory infiltrates have been observed in the lung after infection. The aim of the present study was to determine if mice infected with RSV developed evidence of respiratory illness detectable by plethysmography.

Balb/c mice were infected with RSV by nasal inoculation. Mice inoculated with uninfected cell culture media served as controls. After 6 days, they were placed in a closed plethysmograph chamber, through which there was a flow of fresh air except during 10 second periods of pressure recording. Respiratory rate, ratio between inspiratory time and total respiration time(TI/TT), and amplitude of pressure changes per breath were calculated from recordings taken after 10 and 15 minutes.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD