Ultrastructural localization of rabies virus antigens in infected trigeminal ganglion of hamsters.

The trigeminal ganglion of hamsters infected with CVS strain of rabies virus was investigated by electron microscopy with peroxidase-labeled antibody. Major localization of virus antigens were the following three types of structures; rabies virion, cytoplasmic inclusion, and ribosomal granules consisting of Nissl body. Rabies virions in neurons were mostly found within the cluster of such ribosome-rich regions suggesting a close relationship between the two in the synthesis of virus antigen. The cytoplasmic inclusion appeared to be derived from ribosomal or allied particles with virus-specific antigens. The significance of results obtained is briefly discussed.