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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Ex Vivo Organotypic Corneal Model of Acute Epithelial Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Infection
Published on: November 3, 2012
Lipofuscin in rabbit skin: Its occurrence after ocular herpes simplex infection
Abstract:
Systemic infection, induced by intraocular inoculation of type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV 1) in young rabbits, is accompanied by the appearance of autofluorescent pigments precisely in the midportion of their fur follicles. Histochemical and solubility reactions of the pigment led to its characterization as a lipofuscinlike pigment. Follicle fluorescence correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms; it was present in 100% of the follicles of rabbits that died but was found in only 30% to 50% of follicles of surviving animals. Similar fluorescence was also present in 10% to 20% of the follicles of uninfected rabbits. This autofluorescent material may be formed by the peroxidation of lipids from sebaceous gland secretions, but neither HSV 1 nor antigens could be found in the skin as possible initiators of this reaction.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in rabbits causes autofluorescent lipofuscin-like pigments in fur follicles. This fluorescence correlates with disease severity, suggesting a link between viral infection and pigment formation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can manifest in various tissues.
- Autofluorescence in biological tissues can indicate metabolic processes or pathological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the appearance and nature of autofluorescent pigments in rabbit fur follicles following intraocular HSV-1 inoculation.
- To correlate the presence and intensity of follicle fluorescence with clinical symptoms and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Intraocular inoculation of young rabbits with HSV-1.
- Histochemical analysis and solubility reactions to characterize the autofluorescent pigment.
- Microscopic examination of fur follicles for fluorescence and correlation with clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Autofluorescent pigments, characterized as lipofuscin-like, appeared in the midportion of fur follicles in HSV-1 infected rabbits.
- Follicle fluorescence intensity correlated with clinical symptoms: 100% in deceased rabbits, 30-50% in survivors.
- A low level of similar fluorescence (10-20%) was observed in uninfected control rabbits.
Conclusions:
- HSV-1 infection induces the formation of lipofuscin-like autofluorescent pigments in rabbit fur follicles.
- The pigment formation is linked to disease severity, though its precise role and origin remain unclear.
- While HSV-1 infection is associated with pigment, the presence of the pigment in controls suggests other contributing factors, possibly lipid peroxidation in sebaceous glands.
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