The effect of Dextransulfate 500 on the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus infections in weanling mice

Summary Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Dextran Sulfate (D.S.) 500 during a limited period of time influences the course of herpes simplex-virus-infections. D.S.500 was found to reduce the resistance of mice for some herpes simplex-virus strains (Len, L3-2s, Haase) if given between 16 hours before and 2 hours after i.p. infection. The decrease of resistance could be correlated with an increase of the virus content of liver, spleen, brain and spinal cord. Injection of herpes simplex-virus-specific immune serum counteracted the effect of D.S.500 on the course of infections. Conversely, D.S.500 increased the resistance of mice to another group of herpes simplex-viruses (strains D-316, Thea, DD), if given 3 to 8 hours before infection.These effects are ascribed to a special interaction of D.S.500 with macrophages and probably other virus-susceptible cells of the peritoneal cavity and elsewhere with a resulting counteraction to the virus infection.With 2 FiguresIn part presented at the 76th Ordinary meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Cambridge, April 5–8, 1976.In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MD degree.