Differential susceptibility of male and female mice to encephalomyocarditis virus: effects of castration, adrenalectomy, and the administration of sex hormones.

Male mice have been noted to be more susceptible to encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus than female animals. Castration of male mice abolished this difference and resulted in enhanced resistance similar to that of female mice. This increase in resistance in castrated males could be eliminated by adrenalectomy. Adrenalectomy alone increased susceptibility in male mice but not in female mice. The administration of a long-acting preparation of testosterone markedly increased susceptibility both in castrated male and female mice, as well as in intact females. Testosterone also had a similar effect in immature mice of both sexes. On the other hand, estradiol, but not progesterone, increased susceptibility to EMC virus in castrated mice of both sexes. These data indicate that testicular, ovarian, and adrenal hormones may influence resistance to EMC virus in the mouse and may be critical determinants of the clinical outcome of infection with this virus.