[Effect of immunosuppression on the development and outcome of an acute infection in mice caused by administration of the Lassa virus].

In experimental infection of mice with Lassa virus, the infectious virus could be detected in all the organs and brain tissues tested. Histopathological lesions were demonstrated in cerebral and spinal cord tissues only. Roentgen irradiation in a dose of 500 R and cyclophosphamide protected mice against a lethal Lassa virus dose. Cyclosporin A in various doses exerted no effect on the outcome of the acute infection. The adoptive transfer of splenocytes from mouse donors inoculated intraperitoneally prevented the development of lethal disease symptoms and death of mice-recipients. It is suggested that immunocompetent cells are involved in the development and outcome of experimental infection of mice with Lassa virus.