The pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) model of COVID-19 reproduces diverse clinical outcomes and reveals new and complex signatures of disease.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 disease, has killed over five million people worldwide as of December 2021 with infections rising again due to the emergence of highly transmissible variants. Animal models that faithfully recapitulate human disease are critical for assessing SARS-CoV-2 viral and immune dynamics, for understanding mechanisms of disease, and for testing vaccines and therapeutics. Pigtail macaques (PTM, Macaca nemestrina) demonstrate a rapid and severe disease course when infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), including the development of severe cardiovascular symptoms that are pertinent to COVID-19 manifestations in humans. We thus proposed this species may likewise exhibit severe COVID-19 disease upon infection with SARS-CoV-2. Here, we extensively studied a cohort of SARS-CoV-2-infected PTM euthanized either 6- or 21-days after respiratory viral challenge. We show that PTM demonstrate largely mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Pulmonary infiltrates were dominated by T cells, including CD4+ T cells that upregulate CD8 and express cytotoxic molecules, as well as virus-targeting T cells that were predominantly CD4+. We also noted increases in inflammatory and coagulation markers in blood, pulmonary pathologic lesions, and the development of neutralizing antibodies. Together, our data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection of PTM recapitulates important features of COVID-19 and reveals new immune and viral dynamics and thus may serve as a useful animal model for studying pathogenesis and testing vaccines and therapeutics.

Palmoplantar depigmentation in Macaca fascicularis following Blaschko linear pattern.

Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome, characterized by streaks and swirls of hypopigmentation arranged in a Blaschkoid pattern. Other associated anomalies are observed. We report a case of a male cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) who presented the characteristic of hypomelanosis of Ito with palmoplantar involvement and polythelia.

DIFFUSE IDIOPATHIC SKELETAL HYPEROSTOSIS WITH SECONDARY DYSPHAGIA IN A BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY (ATELES GEOFFROYI).

A 32-yr-old male black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) with marked kyphosis and reduced spinal range of motion developed intermittent regurgitation, which was managed with an acid reducer. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) was suspected in this animal due to radiographically evident ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. At repeat radiographic evaluation 1.5 yr later, due to weight loss and increased frequency of regurgitation, the cervical spine was deviated ventrally and appeared to be impinging on the thoracic inlet. The spider monkey was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis, and the presumptive diagnosis of DISH was confirmed via postmortem computed tomography and necropsy. DISH has not been reported in black-handed spider monkeys, and secondary dysphagia, an uncommon but recognized consequence in humans, has not been reported in a nonhuman primate. Earlier recognition of this possibly underreported disease process may increase treatment options and effectiveness of intervention.

Retinal structure and function in monkeys with fetal alcohol exposure.

Exposure to ethanol in utero leads to several brain development disorders including retinal abnormalities whose underlying cellular pathogenesis remains elusive. We recently reported that fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) in vervet monkeys induces anomalies of full-field electroretinogram (ERG) waveforms that suggest premature aging of the retina. The goal of this study is to characterize the anatomo-functional mechanisms underlying the retinal changes observed in fetal alcohol exposed (FAE) monkeys, and age- and sex-matched normals. First, we examined in vivo the fundus of the eyes, measured intraocular pressure (IOP) and assessed cone activity using flicker ERG. Second, we investigated ex vivo, protein expression and anatomical organization of the retina using Western blotting, classical histology and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated that the fundus of the eyes showed both, increased vascularization (tessellated fundus) and IOP in FAE monkeys. Furthermore, light-adapted flicker responses above 15 Hz were also significantly higher in FAE monkeys. Although there were no obvious changes in the overall anatomy in the FAE retina, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP, a potent marker of astrocytes) immunoreactivity was increased in the FAE retinal ganglion cell layer indicating a strong astrogliosis. These alterations were present in juvenile (2 years old) monkeys and persist in adults (8 years old). Moreover, using specific cell type markers, no significant modifications in the morphology of the photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, and amacrine cells were observed. Our data indicate that FAE does indeed induce anatomical changes within the retinal ganglion cell layer that are reflected in the increased photosensitivity of the cone photoreceptors.

Analysis of erythrocyte dynamics in Rhesus macaque monkeys during infection with Plasmodium cynomolgi.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major mosquito transmitted, blood-borne parasitic disease that afflicts humans. The disease causes anaemia and other clinical complications, which can lead to death. Plasmodium vivax is known for its reticulocyte host cell specificity, but many gaps in disease details remain. Much less is known about the closely related species, Plasmodium cynomolgi, although it is naturally acquired and causes zoonotic malaria. Here, a computational model is developed based on longitudinal analyses of P. cynomolgi infections in nonhuman primates to investigate the erythrocyte dynamics that is pertinent to understanding both P. cynomolgi and P. vivax malaria in humans. METHODS: A cohort of five P. cynomolgi infected Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is studied, with individuals exhibiting a plethora of clinical outcomes, including varying levels of anaemia. A discrete recursive model with age structure is developed to replicate the dynamics of P. cynomolgi blood-stage infections. The model allows for parasitic reticulocyte preference and assumes an age preference among the mature RBCs. RBC senescence is modelled using a hazard function, according to which RBCs have a mean lifespan of 98 ± 21 days. RESULTS: Based on in vivo data from three cohorts of macaques, the computational model is used to characterize the reticulocyte lifespan in circulation as 24 ± 5 h (n = 15) and the rate of RBC production as 2727 ± 209 cells/h/µL (n = 15). Analysis of the host responses reveals a pre-patency increase in the number of reticulocytes. It also allows the quantification of RBC removal through the bystander effect. CONCLUSIONS: The evident pre-patency increase in reticulocytes is due to a shift towards the release of younger reticulocytes, which could result from a parasite-induced factor meant to increase reticulocyte availability and satisfy the parasite's tropism, which has an average value of 32:1 in this cohort. The number of RBCs lost due to the bystander effect relative to infection-induced RBC losses is 62% for P. cynomolgi infections, which is substantially lower than the value of 95% previously determined for another simian species, Plasmodium coatneyi.

Reproductive cycling in adult baboons (Papio species) that were intrauterine growth restricted at birth implies normal fertility but increased psychosocial stress.

We investigated menstrual cycles in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR, 7-10 years, n = 8) and age-matched control (n = 10) baboons. Cycle duration and plasma anti-Mullerian hormone were similar. IUGR spent more days per cycle swollen and had elevated early morning fasted serum cortisol, suggesting normal fertility in the presence of increased psychosocial stress.

Fatal SV40-associated pneumonia and nephropathy following renal allotransplantation in rhesus macaque.

Recrudescence of latent and dormant viruses may lead to overwhelming viremia in immunosuppressed hosts. In immunocompromised hosts, Simian virus 40 (SV40) reactivation is known to cause nephritis and demyelinating central nervous system disease. Here, we report SV40 viremia leading to fatal interstitial pneumonia in an immunosuppressed host following renal allotransplantation.

Effect of moderate, 30 percent global maternal nutrient reduction on fetal and postnatal baboon phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Most developmental programming studies on maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) are in altricial rodents whose maternal nutritional burden and offspring developmental trajectory differ from precocial non-human primates and humans. METHODS: Control (CTR) baboon mothers ate ad libitum; MNR mothers ate 70% global control diet in pregnancy and lactation. RESULTS: We present offspring morphometry, blood cortisol, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) during second half of gestation (G) and first three postnatal years. Moderate MNR produced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR males (n=43) and females (n=28) were smaller than CTR males (n=50) and females (n=47) in many measurements at many ages. In CTR, fetal ACTH increased 228% and cortisol 48% between 0.65G and 0.9G. IUGR ACTH was elevated at 0.65G and cortisol at 0.9G. 0.9G maternal gestational weight gain, fetal weight, and placenta weight were correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate IUGR decreased body weight and morphometric measurements at key time points and altered hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function.

Hypoxemia after single-shot anesthesia in common marmosets.

BACKGROUND: It remains unknown how single-shot anesthesia influences physical parameters, especially respiratory function and blood oxygen level of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) which came to be used for laboratory research. METHODS: We measured blood oxygen levels, both before and after oxygenation, in 13 common marmosets under two single-shot anesthesia conditions: ketamine/xylazine/atropine and alphaxalone. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that SpO2 values decreased to about 80% in the ketamine/xylazine/atropine protocol and fell just below 90% in the alphaxalone protocol. We observed a clear decrease in PaO2 values under the anesthetized condition compared to the awake condition. Our data indicate that single-shot anesthesia may cause hypoxemia in marmosets. Previous studies on other non-human primate have reported no SpO2 decrease and hypoxemia; thus, our experiment suggests that marmosets may have a more fragile respiratory system and require intensive veterinary care during anesthesia.

Pathophysiology of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in rhesus macaques.

The pathophysiology of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) remains unclear because of a lack of surrogate disease models with which to perform pathogenesis studies. Nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered the gold standard model for studying the underlying immune activation/suppression associated with immunopathogenic viruses such as hantaviruses; however, to date an NHP model for HPS has not been described. Here we show that rhesus macaques infected with Sin Nombre virus (SNV), the primary etiological agent of HPS in North America, propagated in deer mice develop HPS, which is characterized by thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and rapid onset of respiratory distress caused by severe interstitial pneumonia. Despite establishing a systemic infection, SNV differentially activated host responses exclusively in the pulmonary endothelium, potentially the mechanism leading to acute severe respiratory distress. This study presents a unique chronological characterization of SNV infection and provides mechanistic data into the pathophysiology of HPS in a closely related surrogate animal model. We anticipate this model will advance our understanding of HPS pathogenesis and will greatly facilitate research toward the development of effective therapeutics and vaccines against hantaviral diseases.

Effect of age and sex on bone markers in Chlorocebus aethiops raised in captivity.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), ß-crosslaps (ß-CTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in relation to age and sex of Chlorocebus aethiops in captivity. METHODS: Seventy-three monkeys were divided into four age groups: AG1 (juvenile); AG2 (young adult); AG3 (adult); and AG4 (senile). An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with an Elecsys 2010 analyzer was used to determine the serum markers of bone. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sex did not influence the results of the markers. However, the variables PINP, OC, and ß-CTX were negatively correlated with age (r = -0.643; r = -0.711; r = -0.488; P < 0.001, respectively), and PTH was correlated positively with age (r = 0.418, P < 0.001). The data obtained can be used as biomarkers of bone metabolism reference intervals in healthy C. aethiops in captivity.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in a De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus).

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathies have been reported in many primates. They may result from an inflammatory response to an infectious agent, nutritional deficiency, familial-genetic inheritance or toxic agents, but in many cases they are idiopathic. METHODS: A De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) presented with weight loss and inappetence. Physical examination, blood collection and diagnostic imaging and an electrocardiogram were performed. RESULTS: Radiographs and echocardiogram revealed pleural effusion with partially collapsed lungs, cardiomegaly, and reduced myocardial contractility from myocardial failure. CONCLUSIONS: Necropsy revealed pulmonary infarction, subsequent to heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy.

Absence of the right wing of the ilium generated a compensatory scoliosis in rhesus monkey in captivity: diagnostic imaging and its alteration on the SEPNT.

BACKGROUND: Congenital scoliosis (CS) is defined as lateral curvatures of the spine provoked by the anomalous development of the vertebral bodies. It is associated with neuromuscular anomalies, which can be genetic, caused by the compensation of discrepancies in the length of the extremities or intrarachidian anomalies. METHODS: This study was carried out in 2-year-old female, showed alterations in the gait, mainly in the hind limbs, a clumsy gait and a slight claudication in the right hindlimb. To perform the imaging study were: X-Ray projections and Computerized Axial Tomography, neurophysiological evaluation was performed by means somatosensory-evoked potentials of the tibial nerve (SEPTN). RESULTS: The results showed an enlargement of the latencies from the L5 to the cortex, mainly in the left afference, correlated with the imaging studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is no doubt that the concurrent use of different diagnostic tools complements knowledge regarding the physiopathogenesis of these osteopathologies.

Chronic cadmium treatment induces tubular nephropathy and osteomalacic osteopenia in ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys.

In an attempt to establish a primate model of chronic cadmium toxicosis, we ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys and treated them with CdCl2 by repeated intravenous injections for 13 to 15 months. The animals showed normocytic-normochromic anemia. The cadmium treatment resulted in increases of urinary enzyme activity indicative of renal tubular degeneration. Histopathology of the kidney revealed renal proximal tubular atrophy accompanied by interstitial fibrosis. Decreased bone mineral density was evident in the trabecular and cortical zones of the lumbar vertebra and femur, with osteoid accumulation around the trabeculae and Haversian canals. Iron deposition at the mineralization front and osteoclasts hyperplasia were indicative of impairment of bone mineralization and an increase of resorption. Blood inorganic phosphorus and 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels decreased and urinary deoxypyridinoline level increased in cadmium-treated animals. The renal and bone lesions closely resemble those of itai-itai disease patients, the most severe case of cadmium toxicosis in terms of clinical chemistry and histopathology. Thus, ovariectomized monkeys chronically exposed to cadmium can serve as a primate itai-itai disease model, which is beneficial for developing novel therapeutic methods, investigating the mechanisms of the renal and bone lesions, and establishing more clearly defined criteria for diagnosing the disease.

Infant baboons infected with respiratory syncytial virus develop clinical and pathological changes that parallel those of human infants.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of the lower respiratory tract is the leading cause of respiratory failure among infants in the United States of America and annually results in >300,000 deaths worldwide. Despite the importance of RSV, there is no licensed vaccine, and no specific form of therapy. This is largely due to the absence of an appropriate animal model for the evaluation of vaccines and therapeutic agents. We inoculated anesthetized infant (4 wk) baboons (Papio anubis) with a human strain of RSV intranasally or intratracheally. Baboons were monitored daily for clinical changes. Anesthetized baboons were intubated at various intervals, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for viral culture and determination of leukocyte counts. Sham-infected baboons served as controls. Necropsies were performed on infected baboons on days 1, 3, 5, 8, or 13 after inoculation, with pathological analysis and immunohistochemical staining of lung tissues to detect RSV antigen. Infected baboons developed tachypnea and reduced oxygenation peaking from 4 to 8 days after infection and persisting for ≥14 days. Virus was recoverable in BAL fluid up to 8 days following infection. Necropsy revealed intense interstitial pneumonia, sloughing of the bronchiolar epithelium, and obstruction of the bronchiolar lumen with inflammatory cells and sloughed epithelial cells. RSV antigen was identified in bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium. We conclude that RSV-infected infant baboons develop clinical and pathological changes that parallel those observed in human infants with RSV infection. The infant baboon represents a much-needed model for studying the pathogenesis of RSV infection and evaluating antivirals and vaccines.

Abruptio placentae in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis): male bias.

BACKGROUND: Abruptio placentae is a serious problem with a high rate of maternal and fetal mortality and documented sexual dimorphism in reoccurrence. Macaca fascicularis is a well-described reproductive model; however, there are no data available regarding sexual dimorphism in abruptio placentae in these species. METHODS: A retrospective study of pathology and medical records in a large colony of M. fascicularis was performed. Placental specimens were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of placenta abruptio in the colony was 15.7/1000 births. In the abruptio placentae group, male fetuses had lower placental disk length and increased femur length compared with female fetuses. The feto-pacental ratio and fetal weight were lower in the male fetuses in the abruption group compared with those in the stillbirth group without abruption placentae. CONCLUSION: This is the first documentation of male bias in placental and fetal development in abruptio placentae in non-human primates.

Digestive efficiency mediated by serum calcium predicts bone mineral density in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Two health problems have plagued captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies for nearly as long as those colonies have existed: marmoset wasting syndrome and metabolic bone disease. While marmoset wasting syndrome is explicitly linked to nutrient malabsorption, we propose metabolic bone disease is also linked to nutrient malabsorption, although indirectly. If animals experience negative nutrient balance chronically, critical nutrients may be taken from mineral stores such as the skeleton, thus leaving those stores depleted. We indirectly tested this prediction through an initial investigation of digestive efficiency, as measured by apparent energy digestibility, and serum parameters known to play a part in metabolic bone mineral density of captive common marmoset monkeys. In our initial study on 12 clinically healthy animals, we found a wide range of digestive efficiencies, and subjects with lower digestive efficiency had lower serum vitamin D despite having higher food intakes. A second experiment on 23 subjects including several with suspected bone disease was undertaken to measure digestive and serum parameters, with the addition of a measure of bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Bone mineral density was positively associated with apparent digestibility of energy, vitamin D, and serum calcium. Further, digestive efficiency was found to predict bone mineral density when mediated by serum calcium. These data indicate that a poor ability to digest and absorb nutrients leads to calcium and vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D absorption may be particularly critical for indoor-housed animals, as opposed to animals in a more natural setting, because vitamin D that would otherwise be synthesized via exposure to sunlight must be absorbed from their diet. If malabsorption persists, metabolic bone disease is a possible consequence in common marmosets. These findings support our hypothesis that both wasting syndrome and metabolic bone disease in captive common marmosets are consequences of inefficient nutrient absorption.

The changes of glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight middle-aged cynomolgus monkeys.

BACKGROUND: Excessive weight gain has been observed in middle-aged cynomolgus monkeys. This study was designed to investigate the metabolic characteristics in overweight monkeys. METHODS: A total of 26 cynomolgus monkeys were grouped based on gender and body weight. Overweight was operationally defined as body weight heavier than 9.6 kg in males and 7.5 kg in females. They were monitored for glucose and insulin in fasting state, serum parameters, and somatometric measurements. RESULTS: Higher measurements of weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, hip, and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were the somatometric characteristics of overweight monkeys. Abdominal fat deposition was more prominent in females. Elevated total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and fasting glucose were observed in female overweight monkeys. Impaired insulin sensitivity occurred in overweight monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight could result in impaired insulin sensitivity. The metabolic changes were more prominent in female overweight monkeys.

Spontaneous cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a juvenile cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).

A neoplastic mass compressing the left cerebellar hemisphere and hindbrain was observed at trimming in a 3½-year-old male cynomolgus monkey from a control dose group. Microscopically, the neoplastic mass was nonencapsulated, invasive, and showed two morphological patterns. The predominant area consisted of densely packed undifferentiated, polygonal to spindle cells arranged in vague sheets supported by a scant fibrovascular stroma. The other area was less cellular and composed of round neoplastic cells separated by eosinophilic fibrillar material. Immunohistochemical staining for vimentin, synaptophysin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament, and S-100 confirmed the presence of primitive undifferentiated neuroectodermal cells and some cells with neuronal or glial differentiation. On the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor with neuronal and glial differentiation was made. Primitive neuroectodermal tumors are rare in animals including nonhuman primates; this is the first published report in this species.