Differential mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors GDNF, BDNF, and NT-3 in experimental herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNA levels were studied in the course of murine herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Induction of GNDF and NT-3 (both P < 0.05) was found during acute encephalitis. Despite absence of clinical impairment, both neurotrophic factors were overexpressed 2 months (NT-3) and 6 months (GDNF) following infection (both P < 0.05). Neurotrophic factors play an important role in neuronal survival and recovery after acute injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and may represent an additional therapeutic target for treatment of viral encephalitis.