Changes in the structure of the digestive organs during SARS-Cov-2 infection (experimental study)

Abstract

The presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane serine protease 2 on the surface of cells in many organs suggests their damage after SARS-Cov-2 infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the structures of large digestive glands and intestines after a disease in an experimental model. And also to check the protective properties of the DNA vaccine based on antisense oligonucleotides. Methods. Humanized B6.Cg-Tg(K18-ACE2)2 mice were used in the disease model. They were intranasally and intramuscularly injected with a DNA vaccine, after that the organs of the digestive system were examined. As a result the liver is the most sensitive to the virus. It demonstrates pathological changes from the first days of the experiment to 30 days of observation. The least affected is intestines. The main pathological changes were observed in the vessels. Conclusion. The use of the vaccine promote a slightly protective from the damage to the organs of the digestive system. The most effective was its intranasal administration