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Optic nerve involvement in viral spread in herpes simplex virus type 1 retinitis
M E Bosem1, R Harris, S S Atherton
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Colchicine blocks herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) spread to the contralateral eye via optic nerve transport. This finding reveals a key mechanism in viral retinitis progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can cause retinitis.
- Understanding viral spread mechanisms is crucial for treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of fast axonal transport in HSV-1 spread to the contralateral retina.
- To determine if colchicine can inhibit HSV-1 transport and subsequent retinitis.
Main Methods:
- Uniocular anterior chamber inoculation of HSV-1 in animal models.
- Intravitreal administration of colchicine to block axonal transport.
- Measurement of viral titer and histopathologic examination of retinal tissue.
Main Results:
- Colchicine treatment significantly reduced viral titer and retinitis prevalence in the uninjected eye.
- The inhibitory effect of colchicine was dose- and time-dependent, most effective when timed with the second viral wave.
- Colchicine did not directly inhibit viral replication or cause retinal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Fast axonal transport through the optic nerve is a significant route for HSV-1 spread to the contralateral retina.
- Targeting axonal transport with agents like colchicine shows potential for managing HSV-1 retinitis.
- Colchicine's efficacy is linked to interfering with the second wave of viral dissemination.