Demonstration of equine herpesvirus-1 neuronal latency in murine olfactory bulbs using a novel combined in situ PCR and protein synthesis method.
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) latency in murine olfactory bulbs was demonstrated by a novel combined in situ PCR and in vitro protein synthesis method (in situ PS-PCR). The Escherichia coli lacZ gene replacing a deletion in EHV-1 gene 71 (EUS4) was thus amplified and transcribed/translated in situ followed by enzymatic detection using X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside). beta-Galactosidase was found to be concentrated over mitral/tufted neurons indicating those to be the sites of latency. Our results suggest that, in common with other alpha-herpesviruses, EHV-1 can establish latency in central nervous system neurons and that the unique membrane glycoprotein encoded by EHV-1 gene 71 is nonessential for infection of neural tissues.
Marshall
K R
KR
MRC Virology Unit, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Field
H J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D004861:Herpesvirus 1, Equid / Q000502:physiology*; D007763:Lac Operon; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000821:virology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017735:Virus Latency; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D001616:beta-Galactosidase