Replication of rabies virus in organized cultures of Mammalian neural tissues

Organized cultures of dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord ganglion from rat and mouse were used as a model to study the pathogenesis of rabies infection in neural tissue. Two strains of fixed virus and one of street virus were used. Virus replication was similar to that detected in other rabies virus host cell systems, although virus yields remained in relatively low titer. Sequential observations of individual neurons in organized cultures revealed that cytopathic effects usually became evident at 3 days and progressed from cytoplasmic granulation to complete neuronolysis. It was shown by electron microscopy that a small percentage of the inclusion bodies, which appeared in the neurons as well as glial cells, were associated with virus assembly. These findings were similar, regardless of strain of virus employed. Previous experiments done in vivo have shown differences in the type of cytopathic effect produced by street virus and by fixed virus. It is thought that the combination of host cell system and strain of virus is important in determining the course of infection.