AEGiS-11IAC: SIVmac251 infection of astrocytes in asymptomatic macaques.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

SIVmac251 infection of astrocytes in asymptomatic macaques.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:5 (abstract no. We.A.145)
Guillemin G, Boussin FD, Croitoru J, Le Grand R, Dormont D; CE-FAR, DSV/DRM/SNV, Fontenay aux Roses, France. Fax: (33 1) 46 54 77 26.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of astroglial cells in the neuropathogenic processes of AIDS.

METHODS: Astrocyte cultures were obtained from the brain of 26 macaques (12 rhesus and 14 cynomolgus) sacrified at an average of 1 year after their infection by SIVmac251. None of these animals exhibited neurological symptoms. Astroglial cells were purified and cultured for approximately 3 months. Immunocytochemical characterization demonstrated that 99% of cells expressed GFAP and the lack of contaminating cells as microglia after 1 month of culture. Viral detection was monitored by P27 antigen capture assay on cell culture supernatants and by PCR amplifications in pol and env genes.

RESULTS: Proviral DNA were detected by PCR in astrocyte cultures from 8 rhesus and 9 cynomolgus monkeys. Signal detection persisted during all along the culture. However, no viral productions were detected in corresponding cell culture supernants

CONCLUSION: Due to the purity of the cell cultures, our results suggest that astrocytes may be infected in the brain of asymptomatic infected macaques. Astrocytes may thus take an essential part in neuropathogenic mechanisms both by their role of potential viral reservoir and by the possible alteration of their functions which remain to be determined.

Keywords: AEGIS, Macaca, Astrocytes, Macaca fascicularis, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Brain, Animal, ICA11

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WeA145