Studies on the placental transfer of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus and p24 antigen in an ex vivo human placental model.

Studies on the placental transfer of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus and p24 antigen in an ex vivo human placental model.

J Soc Gynecol Investig. 1994 Jan-Mar;1(1):45-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98081015
Bawdon RE; Gravell M; Hamilton R; Sever J; Miller R; Gibbs CJ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas; Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9032, USA.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We studied whether the human placenta has the structural integrity to impede transplacental passage of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 or p24 antigen from the maternal to the fetal circulation. METHODS: Nine term human placentas from uncomplicated vaginal or cesarean section deliveries were studied ex vivo with a placental perfusion apparatus to determine whether cell-free HIV-1 at 200-2000 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/mL) would pass to the fetal circulation. Passage of virus or p24 was assessed by infectivity titration and/or p24 antigen capture enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Infectious HIV-1 was not detected in any of the fetal perfusate samples taken periodically during experiments. Low concentrations of HIV-1 p24 antigen, however, were detected in fetal perfusate samples from three placentas. CONCLUSIONS: The term human placenta effectively impedes passage of cell-free HIV-1 from the maternal to the fetal circulation. However, it may be permeable to passage of p24 antigen.

Keywords: *HIV Core Protein p24/BLOOD *HIV-1/PHYSIOLOGY *Maternal-Fetal Exchange/PHYSIOLOGY *Placenta/PHYSIOLOGY
980430
M9841775

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