Search

The SIV infection of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is the most appropriate animal model in HIV research. The permanent human T-cell line C8166 is used for in vitro SIV propagation. This paper describes ultrastructural features of the cells after infection with SIVmac. The C8166 cells are ultrastructurally characterized by a heterogenous morphology which is independent of the infection. SIV induced cell syncytia are observed 18 hours after infection. Viral particles and budding occur 48 hours p.i with a peak at the day 8. Viral particles present the typical lentiviral morphology. Using the monoclonal antibody anti SIVp28 and ultra small (0.8 nm) immunogold-silver enhancement technique, we are able to demonstrate SIV antigen immunoelectron microscopically. Therefore, this ultrastructural method is suitable to detect SIV antigen in in vivo experiments with C8166 cells from day 8 p.i. serving as positive control.

The mortal cause of black-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), living in a conservation unit of State Park of Serra da Tiririca-Niterói-RJ, Brasilien, has been investigated in 1995 based on different examinations realized in one animal. After clinical, light and electron microscopic investigations, herpesvirus infection was found to be the etiological agent of the disease.

The adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells is an important step in the migration of these cells into lymphatic tissue and to places of acute inflammation. These leucocytes do not only stick to altered endothelial cells during acute inflammation as part of the immun response. They also interact with normal endothelial cells in order to immigrate in lymphatic and extralymphatic tissue. Three cell surface molecule families regulate the tissue specific migration of leucocytes on the molecular level: integrin family, selectin family and the immunglobulin supergen family. This review reports the present state of research. It has to be taken in consideration, that almost every day new results will be found.