Involvement of intracellular free Ca²⁺in enhanced release of herpes simplex virus by hydrogen peroxide

• Main Authors: Ogawa Yuzo, Sumi Tetsuro, Iwai Soichi, Arimoto Emiko, Yura Yoshiaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-08-01
• Series: Virology Journal
• Online Access: http://www.virologyj.com/content/3/1/62

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It was reported that elevation of the intracellular concentration of free Ca²⁺([Ca²⁺]i) by a calcium ionophore increased the release of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Freely diffusible hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is implied to alter Ca²⁺homeostasis, which further enhances abnormal cellular activity, causing changes in signal transduction, and cellular dysfunction. Whether H₂O₂could affect [Ca²⁺]i in HSV-1-infected cells had not been investigated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>H₂O₂treatment increased the amount of cell-free virus and decreased the proportion of viable cells. After the treatment, an elevation in [Ca²⁺]i was observed and the increase in [Ca²⁺]i was suppressed when intracellular and cytosolic Ca²⁺were buffered by Ca²⁺chelators. In the presence of Ca²⁺chelators, H₂O₂-mediated increases of cell-free virus and cell death were also diminished. Electron microscopic analysis revealed enlarged cell junctions and a focal disintegration of the plasma membrane in H₂O₂-treated cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results indicate that H₂O₂can elevate [Ca²⁺]i and induces non-apoptotic cell death with membrane lesions, which is responsible for the increased release of HSV-1 from epithelial cells.</p>