Ability of Indian street rabies virus isolates to induce apoptosis by in-vitro

Abstract

An attempt had been made in this study to know the ability of Indian street rabies virus isolates to induce apoptosis in murine neuroblastoma cells. Thirty Indian street virus isolates were tested by fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) among which 20 samples was positive. These positive samples were used to infect murine neuroblastoma (MNA) cells. Four street rabies virus isolates and challenge virus strain (CVS) were used in this study to show their ability to induce apoptosis. Total RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized by using gene specific primers pertaining to Caspase-1, BAD (Proapoptotic gene) and Glycoprotein gene of rabies virus. Challenge Virus Standard has been used as control in the amplification as well as in the demonstration of apoptosis. The expression of Caspase-1, BAD and glycoprotein genes in the murine neuroblastoma cells in comparision with CVS was measured by using densitometer. Street virus isolates expressed higher levels of Caspase-1 and BAD in comparison with CVS. Further TUNEL staining method showed higher apoptotic index when compared to CVS. This study is an initial attempt to exhibit the ability of Indian rabies street virus isolates to induce apoptosis in murine neuroblastoma cells (in vitro).