Effects of interferon-alpha on cytopathic changes and titers for feline herpesvirus-1 in primary cultures of feline corneal epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of interferon (IFN)-alpha on viability of feline corneal epithelial cells, replication of feline herpesvirus (FHV)-1, and virus-induced cytopathic changes.


METHODS
Healthy eyes from 10 recently euthanatized cats.


METHODS
4 replicate primary cultures of feline corneal epithelial cells were grown after the addition of 10(2) to 10(6) IU of IFN-alpha/mL. Cultures were examined every 24 hours for evidence of cytotoxic changes. Viable cell counts and percentage of viable cells were determined 48 hours after initiation of culture. In a separate experiment, cultures of corneal cells were inoculated with FHV-1 and cultured for 72 hours with or without 10(5) IU of IFN-alpha/mL. The FHV-1-infected cultures were evaluated for viral-induced cytopathic effects, and viral titers were determined in samples of culture supernatant.


RESULTS
Interferon-alpha did not have cytotoxic effects on corneal epithelial cells at concentrations ranging from 10(2) to 10(6) IU of IFN-alpha/mL. Interferon-alpha at a concentration of 10(5) IU/mL significantly reduced the cytopathic changes and FHV-1 titers.


CONCLUSIONS
Lack of in vitro cytotoxic effects and efficacy against FHV-1 infection in primary cultures of feline corneal cells suggests that the in vivo therapeutic effect of IFN-a should be assessed in controlled clinical trials.
Sandmeyer
Lynne S
LS
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
Keller
Charlotte B
CB
Bienzle
Dorothee
D
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002415:Cats; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D002460:Cell Line / Q000821:virology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral / Q000187:drug effects; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000821:virology*; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053558:Keratin-3; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D016898:Interferon-alpha; C479360:KRT3 protein, human; D053558:Keratin-3; D007633:Keratins