BACKGROUNDTo establish a neurons model for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection using cultures of mouse embryo.

METHODSThe cortical neuron of 14-16 day old mouse embryo were cultured and infected with HSV-1. Microscopic examination, immunofluorescent test, MTT colorimetric analysis and flowcytometric assay were used to detect the immunofluorescent reaction of normal and infected neurons and astrocytes, respectively. The percentage of the two kinds of cells were measured.

RESULTSThe mouse neurons could proliferate well in vitro. The neurons amount met the requirement of cytological experiment after treatment with Ara-C in the tissue culture. HSV-1 could infect the neurons directly, the activity of the infected neurons was obviously reduced.

CONCLUSIONHSV-1 could successfully infect the primary cultured neurons. The model may provide a useful approach for studying the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.