Mutual influence of herpes virus infection activation and cerebral circulation impairment on the state of brain cells

Abstract

Aim.To define the development of herpes virus infection and morphological changes in the brain a upon a cerebrovascular accident. Methods.The experiments were performed on white mice weighing 18–20g. The animals were infected with type I HSV. Stroke was simulated after recovery and the rate of virus reactivation was determined. The rate of HSV production was evaluated by determination of viral antigens in Vero cell culture, PCR and dot-ELISA methods. The neurodegenerative process was confirmed by histological examination. Results.Reactivation of HSV-I was detected after the stroke. Histological study confirmed anincreased degree of neurodystrophic process around the hemorrhage, including hippocampus. A diagnostic value of the molecular methods has been proven in the detection of herpes infection in the biological samples (plasma, homogenates of animal organs). Conclusions.This study provided new data on the pathogenesis of herpes virus infection after acute stroke and its place in the development of complications. We have shown that the ischemic brain damage was a factor of type I HSV reactivation and it was characterized by a higher rate of neurodegenerative changes in hippocampus as compared to the isolated development of neuroinfection or impairment of cerebral circulation.