title: Are latent, immediate-early genes of herpes simplex virus-1 essential in causing trigeminal neuralgia?
abstract: The etiology and pathogenesis of major trigeminal neuralgia remain largely unknown, but are believed to result from an irritative lesion near the semilunar ganglion. We suggest that its primary cause is a single, active DNA sequence in the persistent but non-integrated genome of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 commonly observed in a few infected A-delta nerve fibers of the cheek. Facial pain occurs as a result of herpes virus reactivation and when supplies of neurotrophins controlling normal transport functions of axolemmal ion channels become depleted.
authors.affiliation: Biology Department, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1270, USA.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Ecker
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D017781:Genes, Immediate-Early; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels; D008959:Models, Neurological; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000821:virology; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D007473:Ion Channels; D012367:RNA, Viral; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor