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Herpes simplex virus, type 1 invasion of the rabbit and mouse nervous systems revealed by in situ hybridization
1Neurovirology Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148.
Abstract:
Using a 3H-labelled virion DNA probe applied to tissue sections, we have previously identified the precise microscopic anatomical location of herpes simplex virus (HSV) during the acute and latent stages of infection of the mouse trigeminal ganglia and central nervous system (CNS). In the present investigation, we compared the mouse and the rabbit with respect to their ability to support acute and latent infections of trigeminal ganglionic and central nervous system neurons. We found that HSV-1, strain F, produced acute and latent infection of trigeminal ganglion cells in both mice and rabbits; however, lower levels of HSV-1 RNA were expressed in rabbit neurons as compared to mouse neurons, and many fewer neurons of the rabbit supported an acute infection than in the mouse. Studies of the trigeminal system within the CNS revealed that HSV-1 established latency more readily in the mouse than in the rabbit. The histopathology observed in acutely infected rabbit brain was less intense and less widespread than in mouse brain.
Insights
Mice are better models than rabbits for studying herpes simplex virus (HSV) acute and latent infections in the nervous system. HSV-1 infects mouse neurons more efficiently, showing higher RNA expression and more widespread brain pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Infectious Diseases
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes acute and latent infections in the nervous system.
- Previous studies localized HSV in mouse trigeminal ganglia and central nervous system (CNS) using a DNA probe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the susceptibility of mice and rabbits to acute and latent HSV-1 infection in trigeminal ganglia and CNS neurons.
- To evaluate differences in viral RNA expression and neuropathology between species.
Main Methods:
- Infection of mice and rabbits with HSV-1, strain F.
- Analysis of viral RNA expression in infected neurons.
- Histopathological examination of trigeminal ganglia and CNS tissue.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 established both acute and latent infections in trigeminal ganglion cells of both mice and rabbits.
- Mice exhibited higher HSV-1 RNA levels and supported acute infection in more neurons compared to rabbits.
- HSV-1 latency was established more readily in mice, with less intense and widespread neuropathology observed in acutely infected rabbit brains.
Conclusions:
- Mice serve as a more effective model than rabbits for studying HSV-1 neurotropic infections.
- Differences in viral replication and host response influence the course of HSV infection in different species.