ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the cytopathic effect of amino acid residues 86 to 175 of rotavirus nonstructural protein 4 (NSP486-175) on rat neurons and to analyze the underlying mechanism.MethodsPrimary cultured rat neurons were treated with NSP486-175 and the morphological changes induced in rat neurons were observed.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture supernatant of NSP486-175 treated-neurons was measured.Laser scanning confocal microscope was used to detect the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ labeled with Fluo-3 AM.Results Exogenous addition of NSP486-175 induced obvious cytopathic effect on rat neurons.The LDH activity in the culture supernatant of treated-neurons was stronger than that of the control group.The intensity and the distribution of fluorescence in neurons were altered after stimulation with NSP486-175.Conclusion NSP486-175 can induce the damage of rat neurons, which may be related to its role in increasing the concentration of intracellular Ca2+.This study may provide certain theoretical basis for understanding extra-intestinal spread and pathogenesis of rotavirus infection.