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Herpes simplex virus encephalitis: cranial magnetic resonance imaging and neuropathology in a mouse model
U Meyding-Lamadé1, W Lamadé, R Kehm
1Department of Neurology, INF 400 Kopfklinik, Heidelberg, Germany. j79@ix.urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
We performed a long-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in a mouse model of herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Mice were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain F. A 1.5-T cranial MRI scanner with standard spin-echo sequences was used. Neuropathological studies included immunohistochemistry. The presence of HSV DNA in brain tissue was determined with a polymerase chain reaction assay. Clinical assessment was performed daily: within the first 2 weeks the animals were severely affected and recovered thereafter. MRI and histopathological abnormalities corresponded well. HSV DNA was detectable initially and at 6 months. Extent and severity of structural abnormalities increased at 6 months. MRI offers a new in vivo approach for the detection of structural changes in the disease course of experimental herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively tracked structural brain changes in mice with herpes simplex virus encephalitis. This non-invasive technique correlated well with histopathology, showing disease progression over six months.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a severe neurological condition.
- Long-term studies of its effects on brain structure are crucial.
- Mouse models are essential for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool for monitoring herpes simplex virus encephalitis in a mouse model.
- To correlate MRI findings with neuropathological changes over time.
- To assess the long-term structural impact of the infection.
Main Methods:
- Infection of mice with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
- Longitudinal in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 1.5-T scanner.
- Histopathological analysis including immunohistochemistry.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HSV DNA detection.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs of encephalitis were severe in the first two weeks, followed by recovery.
- MRI abnormalities corresponded well with histopathological findings.
- HSV DNA was detectable both initially and at six months post-infection.
- Structural brain abnormalities detected by MRI increased in extent and severity at six months.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a valuable in vivo method for detecting structural changes during experimental herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
- MRI findings correlate with neuropathological outcomes.
- The study demonstrates the utility of MRI for long-term disease monitoring in this model.