Objective: To establish a neuron cells model for Hantaan virus (HTNV) infection by using the cultures of cortical neurons of mouse embryo. Changes and mechanism of the damage in neurons after HTNV infection were studied.
Methods: The cortical neurons of 16-19 day old mouse embryo were cultured and infected with HTNV (A9 strain). Indirect immunofluorescence test (IFT), MTT colorimetric analysis and immunohistochemistry assay (IHCA) were used to detect immunofluorescent antibody reaction of neurons, growth and development of the neurons.
Results: In neurons of HTNV infected mouse embryo, continually cultured for one week, lFT antigen was detected positive, the activity of the infected neurons was reduced obviously and the growth of neurons was obstructed.
Conclusions: Direct infection of HTNV on the cultured neurons was identified, indicating that mouse embryonic critical neurons is one of the sensitive target cells for HTNV infection.