Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
07:27
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Experimental type 2 herpes simplex ophthalmitis in the newborn rat
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 1980
Summary
A new Wistar rat model effectively studies herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) ophthalmitis. Intracerebral HSV2 inoculation in newborn rats produced ocular lesions, aiding herpetic eye disease research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) can cause severe ocular infections (ophthalmitis).
- Existing animal models often rely on direct ocular inoculation, which may not fully replicate natural infection routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel animal model for studying HSV2 ophthalmitis.
- To investigate ocular and neurological manifestations of HSV2 following intracerebral inoculation in Wistar rats of varying ages.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were intracerebrally inoculated with HSV2 at different ages (0-30 days).
- Ocular and brain tissues were collected for microscopic (including scanning electron microscopy) and virologic analyses.
- Virus isolation and identification of intranuclear inclusions were performed.
Main Results:
- Ocular lesions (corneal, uveal, retinal) occurred in up to 20% of HSV2-inoculated rats.
- Herpetic keratitis was observed, suggesting internal viral spread.
- Herpesvirus particles and intranuclear inclusions were detected in ocular tissues; virus was isolated from over 40% of eyes.
Conclusions:
- The newborn Wistar rat model provides a viable platform for studying HSV2 ophthalmitis.
- Intracerebral inoculation successfully induced ocular lesions, offering an alternative to conventional inoculation methods for herpetic eye disease research.
