Replication of Diabetogenic and Nondiabetogenic Variants of Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) Virus in ICR Swiss Mice1

The replication of the diabetogenic D (EMC-D) and nondiabetogenic B (EMC-B) variants of encephalomyocarditis virus in various tissues of the murine host was determined. Pancreatic insulin levels were also measured. EMC-D replicated in the spleen, pancreas, heart, lung, and intestines, while EMC-B was limited to the spleen and pancreas. EMC-B interfered with the replication of EMC-D in each of the tissues examined. Insulin levels were initially increased by both viruses. By 4 days postinfection, insulin levels were either normal or undetectable in (EMC-D)-infected animals, but were dramatically elevated in those infected with EMC-B.