Apoptosis of Spleenocytes and Expression of HIV Gene Products in the HIV-1 Transgenic Rat

. Apoptosis is believed to play a major role in the progressive loss of CD4 + T cells, and other cell types in AIDS. Several studies support the theory that HIV-1 gene products may be the causative factor in the initiation of cell death (1-3). Moreover, post mortem studies reveal apoptotic cells in many tissues. Identification of mechanisms for the production of apoptosis in animal models of AIDS may clarify AIDS related cell death. A new model, developed at IHV for the study of AIDS related pathology is the HIV-1 Transgenic Rat. This model is unique among transgenic models in that measurable levels of Gp-120 have been identified in the serum and in spleenocyte lysates (4). In this study, we have characterized the location of HIV-1 transgene (GP120, NEF, TAT) expression in the spleen by means of immunocytochemistry. Moreover, identification of cells undergoing apoptosis was made in adjacent sections. The localization of HIV-1 gene products and the identification of apoptosis in this new animal model of AIDS could give insight in the mechanisms of HIV related cell lose.