Cultured neurons infected with an HSV-1-derived vector remain electrically excitable and responsive to neurotransmitter.

Vectors derived from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) have allowed foreign genes to be expressed in differentiated postmitotic neurons, but the usefulness of these infected neurons for electrophysiological studies has not been examined. Using a latent, non-pathogenic recombinant HSV-1 virus, we expressed E. coli beta-galactosidase in identified rat cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons in culture. The electrophysiological properties of the infected cholinergic neurons were examined. The neurons remained electrically excitable and responsive to neurotransmitter.