DETECTION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS-INDUCED POLYPEPTIDES IN RABBIT TRIGEMINAL GANGLIA

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25  (12) , 1436-1440
Abstract
The aim of this study was to follow herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome expression in rabbit trigeminal ganglia during primary, latent and artificially reactivated infections using monospecific antiserum to representatives of the sequentially produced .alpha., .beta., and .gamma. group polypeptides. Rabbits with or without electrode implants were inoculated with 105 plaque forming units of McKrae strain HSV-1 following scarification and monitored by daily preocular tear film culture. Animals were killed during primary, latent and artificially reactivated infections. Representative trigeminal ganglion sections from each animal were reacted with either preimmune rabbit serum, anti-HSV-1, anti-ICP-4, anti-ICP-8 or anti-ICP-5 sera. During primary infection, staining was evident in 30-40% of the ganglion cell nuclei with all antisera. During latency, staining with anti-ICP-4 was detected in 14 of 18 ganglia tested; 10-15% of the ganglion cell nuclei/section exhibited positive staining. A +/- staining pattern with anti-ICP-8 was obtained in 5 of 14 of the ganglia tested; 1-3% of the nuclei/section exhibited this staining pattern. Staining with anti-HSV-1 and anti-ICP-5 was not detected. During induced reactivation, staining of ganglion cell nuclei with all antisera was observed, but the number of cells staining/section was decreased compared to that observed during primary disease.