[Histological and ultrastructural studies of experimental herpetic keratitis in the rabbit].

OBJECTIVE

In order to investigate the histological and ultrastructural changes at different post infection days in herpes simplex keratitis (HSK).

METHODS

The corneas of New Zealand white rabbit eyes experimentally infected with primary HSK were studied by light microscopy and electron microscopy. The histological and ultrastructural changes in the rabbit corneas at 3, 7, 14, 21, 60 post infection days were investigated by light microscopy with HE, Mallory dyes and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Infiltration of corneas with inflammatory cells was found in rabbit eyes infected with HSK, polymorphonuclear leukocytes being predominant. Contact of inflammatory cells with fibroblast cells and corneal edema were seen in the stroma on acute post infection days 3 and 7. In severe cases inflammatory cells incarcerated in the endothelium. Only did two cases of the specimens present with herpes simplex virus type I granules in the acute stage under electron microscopy.

CONCLUSION

The direct HSK-1 destruction together with immunopathogenetic injury caused by the body immune system may serve as the pathologic base of HSK. Decompensation of corneal endothelial function due to infiltration with inflammatory cells may be responsible for corneal edema.