3H) spiroperidol binding decreases in brains of rats infected with Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus1

After i.p. inoculation with the Guajira strain of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus a significant decrease in the density of (3H) spiroperidol binding sites in the striatum, midbrain and frontal cortex was observed. No changes in the affinity of the receptors could be demonstrated. This finding is compatible with neuronal degeneration caused by the viral infection.