Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
12:22
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
HSV (type 1) infection of the trigeminal complex
J H LaVail1, J Zhan, T P Margolis
1Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Brain Research
|April 30, 1990
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) spreads to the central nervous system (CNS) via the trigeminal ganglion in mice. This study maps the viral pathway from the cornea to the brainstem and spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (Type 1) (HSV) infection can lead to central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
- Axonal transport via trigeminal ganglion neurons is a known, though rare in humans, route for HSV CNS entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spread of HSV from the cornea to the CNS in a mouse model.
- To identify the central axonal pathways of infected trigeminal ganglion cells.
Main Methods:
- Corneal inoculation of BALB/c mice with HSV.
- Tracking HSV-immunoreactive labeling to visualize viral spread and neuronal pathways.
Main Results:
- HSV reached the brainstem trigeminal complex within 4 days post-inoculation.
- By day 5, infection extended to the spinal cord's dorsal horn (laminae I-IV).
- The n. oralis and main sensory n. of V were not initially affected, but spread occurred by day 6.
Conclusions:
- Corneal HSV infection in mice disseminates to the CNS through the trigeminal nerve.
- The study elucidates the temporal and anatomical progression of HSV within the CNS via specific neuronal tracts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:20Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...