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Adrenergically induced recurrent HSV-1 corneal epithelial lesions
J M Hill1, Y Haruta, D S Rootman
1Lions Eye Research Laboratories, Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112.
Current Eye Research
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Adrenergic ocular treatments may trigger herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) reactivation and corneal lesions in rabbits. This study found a significant association between HSV-1 shedding and corneal epithelial damage after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common cause of ocular infections.
- Latent HSV-1 can reactivate, leading to recurrent corneal disease.
- Adrenergic agents are sometimes used in ocular treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of adrenergic ocular treatment on HSV-1 shedding and corneal lesions in a rabbit model.
- To determine if 6-hydroxydopamine and Propine induce HSV-1 reactivation or recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Ten rabbits latently infected with HSV-1 strain McKrae were treated with ocular iontophoresis of 6-hydroxydopamine followed by topical Propine.
- Ocular shedding was monitored via tear film swabs.
- Corneal epithelial lesions were assessed daily using a slit-lamp biomicroscope.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 was detected in 23% of eye swabs, and corneal lesions occurred on 25% of observation days.
- Significant association (p < 0.001) found between HSV-1 positive eye swabs and corneal lesions.
- Common lesions included deep punctate, dendritic, and geographic epithelial defects.
Conclusions:
- Adrenergic ocular treatment may induce HSV-1 ocular shedding (reactivation).
- The treatment also appears to induce HSV-1 corneal epithelial lesions (recurrence).
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical implications.