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Herpes simplex virus in mice: electron microscopy of neural spread
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 4, 1968
Abstract:
Herpes simplex virus rapidly infected the trigeminal nerves of mice after intranasal inoculation. Centripetal neural spread was suggested by histologic evidence of encephalitis in the area of attachment of the trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed virus replication primarily within Schwann cells of the trigeminal nerve, and neurons of the gasserian ganglion.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus quickly infects mouse trigeminal nerves after nasal exposure. The virus replicates in Schwann cells and gasserian ganglion neurons, indicating neural spread and potential encephalitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- HSV establishes lifelong latency in sensory ganglia.
- Understanding HSV neural tropism is crucial for developing antivirals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early events of HSV infection in the trigeminal nerve.
- To identify the specific cell types involved in HSV replication within the nerve.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of HSV in a mouse model.
- Histological examination of neural tissues.
- Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis of viral replication.
Main Results:
- Rapid HSV infection of trigeminal nerves observed.
- Histological evidence of encephalitis near the trigeminal nerve attachment.
- Electron microscopy confirmed HSV replication in Schwann cells and gasserian ganglion neurons.
Conclusions:
- HSV spreads centripetally within the trigeminal nerve.
- Schwann cells and neurons are primary sites of HSV replication.
- This provides insights into HSV pathogenesis and latency establishment.