[Effect of HSV-1 infection on the viability of the primary cultured chicken embryo telencephalon neurons].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of HSV-1 infection on the viability of the cultured chicken embryo telencephalon neurons in vitro. METHODS: Primary culture model of chicken embryo of telencephalon neurons was established. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was propagated in Vero cells and viral titer was measured by plaque forming method. Inverted microscope, transmission electron microscope, MTT cell viability and DNA agarose gels electrophoresis were used to evaluate the effect of HSV-1 infection on the neurons. RESULTS: At 24, 48, 72 hours post infection the viability of the neurons decreased by 25%, 56%, 97% as compared with the control group. Morphological changes and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis showed a necrotic effect. CONCLUSIONS: HSV-1 infection induced a remarkable decrease on the viability of neurons by necrosis rather than apoptosis.