PrP super(Sc) in Salivary Glands of Scrapie-Affected Sheep

• Published in: Journal of virology Vol. 81; no. 9; pp. 4872 - 4876
• Main Authors: Vascellari, Marta, Nonno, Romolo, Mutinelli, Franco, Bigolaro, Michela, Di Bari, Michele Angelo, Melchiotti, Erica, Marcon, Stefano, D'Agostino, Claudia, Vaccari, Gabriele, Conte, Michela, De Grossi, Luigi, Rosone, Francesca, Giordani, Francesco, Agrimi, Umberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-05-2007
• ISSN: 0022-538X; 1098-5514

The salivary glands of scrapie-affected sheep and healthy controls were investigated for the presence of the pathological prion protein (PrP super(Sc)). PrP super(Sc) was detected in major (parotid and mandibular) and minor (buccal, labial, and palatine) salivary glands of naturally and experimentally infected sheep. Using Western blotting, the PrP super(Sc) concentration in glands was estimated to be 0.02 to 0.005% of that in brain. Immunohistochemistry revealed intracellular depositions of PrP super(Sc) in ductal and acinar epithelia and occasional labeling in the lumina of salivary ducts. The presence of PrP super(Sc) in salivary glands highlights the possible role of saliva in the horizontal transmission of scrapie.