NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR PROTECTS AGAINST HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-1 NEUROTOXICITY IN THE RAT STRIATUM

To determine the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the neurotoxic ity of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vivo, direct intrastriat al injection of HSV-1 in rats was followed by continuous intracerebral infusion of NGF or vehicle solution for 7 days. The mean volume of HS V-1-mediated brain tissue destruction in NGF-treated animals was signi ficantly smaller than that in vehicle-treated animals at 1 week. Immun ohistochemical staining for HSV-1 confirmed the presence of cells harb oring the virus at the primary site of injection and at secondary site s of distant spread, with no significant difference in HSV-1 distribut ion between NGF- and vehicle-treated animals. We conclude that intrast riatal infusion of NGF locally protects against HSV-1-mediated neuroly sis, but does not affect HSV-1 dissemination in the brain.