Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of human placenta.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of human placenta.

Abstr Annu Meet Am Soc Microbiol. 1990 May 13-17;90:340 (abstract no. T-25). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASM90/905023
Amirhessami-Aghili N; Spector SA; Department of Pediatrics and Center for Molecular Genetics,; University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093

Abstract: Transplacental transmission of HIV is an important route of neonatal infection. To examine the potential role of the placenta in transmission of HIV from mother to fetus, we examined the ability of human first trimester placental tissue to support HIV infection. Human placental explant cultures obtained from first trimester elective abortions from HIV seronegative women were maintained in culture and infected with the LAV-BRU strain of HIV-1. Virus production, as measured by HIV p24 antigen release into the supernatant, was detected for six days post-infection. Additionally, proviral DNA could be detected by slot blot hybridization and by polymerase chain reaction for at least 12 days post-infection. Immunocytochemical examination of cryosections of placental villi with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies indicated that placental trophoblasts express CD4 antigen on their surface. This was confirmed by double-labeling with specific polyclonal antibody for placental trophoblast-specific alkaline phosphatase. Evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production by the placental explant cultures indicated that there was a significant decrease in hCG production in HIV infected cultures when compared with controls. These data indicate that the trophoblastic cells of first trimester human placental tissue express CD4, are susceptible to HIV infection, and that HIV-infected placenta produce less amounts of hCG. Thus, the placenta may serve as a reservoir of HIV infection during pregnancy contributing to transplacental infection of the fetus, and decreased placental hormone production may result in impaired fetal development.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/IMMUNOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION Alkaline Phosphatase/IMMUNOLOGY Antibodies, Monoclonal/IMMUNOLOGY Antigens, CD4/IMMUNOLOGY Cells, Cultured DNA, Viral/ANALYSIS Female Gene Products, gag/IMMUNOLOGY Gonadotropins, Chorionic/IMMUNOLOGY Human HIV Antibodies/IMMUNOLOGY HIV Antigens/IMMUNOLOGY HIV-1/GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT *Maternal-Fetal Exchange Placenta/ENZYMOLOGY/*MICROBIOLOGY Pregnancy Trimester, First Viral Core Proteins/IMMUNOLOGY Virus Replication ABSTRACT
910730
M9170848

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