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

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 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.