In vitro cytotoxicity and antiviral efficacy against feline herpesvirus type 1 of famciclovir and its metabolites.

Objectives: To assess in vitro the antiviral efficacy against feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and cytotoxicity for cultured feline cells of famciclovir and its metabolites, BRL 42359 and penciclovir. To investigate the effect of timing of penciclovir application on in vitro antiviral activity.

Procedures: Plaque reduction assays were used to estimate antiviral efficacy of all compounds and the effect of penciclovir exposure before or after exposure to a FHV-1 field isolate. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by assessing cell morphology and viable cell number for 72 h following exposure to each compound.

Results: The penciclovir concentration that inhibited FHV-1-induced plaque formation by 50% (IC50 ) was 0.86 μg/mL (3.4 μm). Famciclovir and BRL 42359 had no antiviral effect against FHV-1 at any concentration assessed. Antiviral activity was significantly enhanced when cells were exposed to 4 μm penciclovir (approximate IC50 ) for 1 h but not for 24 h before viral adsorption. Delaying exposure of cells to penciclovir for 1, 2, or 4 h after viral adsorption significantly enhanced antiviral activity. Relative to untreated control wells, >88% of cells remained viable when exposed to famciclovir (100 μm), BRL 42359 (1.06 mm), or penciclovir (40 μm) for 72 h. No morphologic evidence of cytotoxicity was noted.

Conclusions: Penciclovir demonstrates potent antiviral activity against FHV-1 and may be effective at lower tissue, tear, and plasma concentrations than previously targeted. The duration of in vitro antiviral effect of penciclovir suggests that frequent famciclovir administration may be necessary in vivo. Famciclovir and BRL 42359 showed no signs of in vitro cytotoxicity.