We reported that
gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is released upon Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) acute
infection. However, the cellular biochemical processes involved in the production of GHB in infected cells are unclear. This study aims to shed light on the biochemical pathway and the stage within the viral life cycle responsible for the release of GHB in infected cells. UV-inactivation,
acyclovir (ACV), and
cycloheximide (CHX) treatments were used to inhibit HSV-1 replication at various stages. Vero cells treated with UV-inactivated HSV-1 significantly decreased GHB production. However, ACV or CHX treatments did not affect GHB production. We also showed that inhibition of glycolytic
enzyme enolase by
sodium fluoride (NaF) significantly reduces GHB production upon
infection. This finding suggests that suppression of glycolytic activity negatively affects cellular GHB production. Our data also indicated that
succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, an
enzyme involved in the shunt of the
tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to generate
succinic acid, was decreased upon
infection, suggesting that
infection may trigger the accumulation of
succinic semialdehyde, causing the production of GHB. Although the precise mechanism has yet to be defined, our results suggest that early events following
infection modulates the release of GHB, which is generated through the metabolic pathways of glycolysis and TCA cycle.