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Updated: Oct 14, 2026
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Reactivation of murine latent HSV infection by epinephrine iontophoresis
Abstract:
Iontophoresis of epinephrine into the cornea of previously infected mice was used in an attempt to induce reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the trigeminal ganglia. BALB/c mice infected with HSV-1 strain McKrae following corneal scarification developed a latent infection of the trigeminal ganglia within 15 days. At 28 days postinfection, mice were subjected to a 3-day cycle of iontophoresis of epinephrine (0.01%) into the cornea. Ocular shedding of HSV occurred in 16/23 (70%) of stimulated mice; these animals did not shed HSV in the 3-day period prior to iontophoresis. Spontaneous shedding of HSV, however, was noted in 3/97 (3%) mice not subjected to epinephrine iontophoresis. "Infectious" virus was isolated only from the trigeminal ganglia of stimulated mice, whereas "latent" virus was isolated from the trigeminal ganglia of both stimulated and nonstimulated mice. All virus isolates were verified to be HSV by neutralization with a known HSV-1 antiserum. This ocular system thus allows for the study of the full spectrum of latent HSV infections, including latency, ganglionic reactivation, and peripheral virus shedding.
Insights
Epinephrine iontophoresis reactivated latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mice trigeminal ganglia, leading to ocular shedding. This method enables studying HSV latency, reactivation, and shedding.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes lifelong latency in trigeminal ganglia.
- Reactivation of latent HSV can cause ocular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of epinephrine iontophoresis to induce HSV reactivation from latency.
- To establish an ocular model for studying HSV latency and reactivation.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with HSV-1 (strain McKrae) via corneal scarification.
- Latent infection was established, followed by a 3-day epinephrine iontophoresis treatment.
- Ocular shedding and trigeminal ganglia virus presence were monitored.
Main Results:
- Epinephrine iontophoresis induced ocular HSV shedding in 70% of treated mice.
- Infectious HSV was isolated from trigeminal ganglia of stimulated mice only.
- Latent HSV was isolated from both stimulated and non-stimulated mice.
Conclusions:
- Epinephrine iontophoresis is effective in reactivating latent HSV in the trigeminal ganglia.
- This ocular model facilitates research into HSV latency, reactivation, and shedding.
