Changes in cerebrospinal fluid cells, IgG and IgA during herpes simplex virus encephalitis in rabbits.

Rabbits were infected with herpes simplex-type 1 virus either by corneal scarification or intrathecal inoculation. Encephalitis was induced predictably by either route but was most severe after intrathecal inoculation. Serial examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated abnormalities reflecting two distinct phases of the immune response to this central nervous system infection. The acute phase was manifested by a mononuclear pleocytosis and transudation of serum proteins into the CSF. The recovery phase was manifested by increased amounts of IgG, IgA and antibody specific for herpes simplex virus in the CSF. These studies demonstrate that IgA is a significant component of the local immune response to viral encephalitis in the rabbit as well as in mice and man.