Transmissible gastroenteritis virus induces apoptosis in swine testicular cell lines but not in intestinal enterocytes.

Evidence of apoptosis caused by infection with the Purdue strain of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) was sought in vitro (in infected swine testicular [ST] cells) and in vivo (in the intestinal tissues of infected piglets). The methods used were (1) DNA electrophoresis for detection of DNA fragmentation, and (2) terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-fluorescein nick and labelling (TUNEL). DNA "laddering" was detected in TGEV-infected ST cells only. Numerous signs of apoptosis were detected in TGEV-infected ST cells by TUNEL assay, the positive (dark brown) staining reaction being present in the majority of cell nuclei, without background staining. No such staining was seen in TGEV-infected enterocytes at various times after inoculation of piglets. Thus, it would appear that apoptosis does not occur in the enterocytes of piglets infected with TGEV. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.