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Tubuloreticular structures in rectal biopsies of SIV-infected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
F-J Kaup1, S F Bruno, K Mätz-Rensing
1German Primate Center, Department of Infectious Pathology, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) are considered to be a specific ultrastructural marker for AIDS in various organs. Experimental SIV infection in rhesus macaques is the most appropriate animal model of HIV infection. In 8 rhesus monkeys, experimentally infected with SIVmac251/MPBC, rectum biopsies were taken prior to and post infection (day 3; 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks p.i.) and were investigated by transmissionelectron microscopy to determine incidence and extent of tubuloreticular structures as well as affected cells. From the first week p.i. on TRS were found in all experimental animals as tubuli with a diameter of 20-30 nm. The tubuli were arranged in regular paracristalline formations and formed intracytoplasmatic heterogenous, polymorph accumulations, which were localized close to the endoplasmatic reticulum. In the rectal lamina propria macrophages, endothelial cells, plasma cells, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and neutrophilic granulocytes were the affected cell types. In 5 control biopsies TRS were detected, too, but, in contrast to SIV-infected animals, they appeared only singular and very small. The results indicate that TRS are a characteristic morphologic criteria of intestinal SIV infection. They appear in very early stages of the infection. In the rectum, they can be detected as bigger, conspicuous, and abundant formations in several cells and have a restricted diagnostic and prognostic validity.
Insights
Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) are early indicators of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaque rectums. These ultrastructural markers are abundant in infected animals, aiding in diagnosing intestinal SIV.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Ultrastructural Pathology
- Immunodeficiency Virus Research
Background:
- Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) are recognized ultrastructural markers associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Experimental simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaques serves as a relevant animal model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of tubuloreticular structures (TRS) in rectal biopsies of SIV-infected rhesus macaques.
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of TRS in the context of intestinal SIV infection.
Main Methods:
- Rectal biopsies were collected from 8 rhesus monkeys experimentally infected with SIVmac251/MPBC.
- Biopsies were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy at various time points post-infection (days 3, 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks).
- Control biopsies from uninfected animals were also examined for comparison.
Main Results:
- TRS were detected in all SIV-infected animals starting from the first week post-infection.
- TRS appeared as tubuli (20-30 nm diameter) in paracrystalline formations within various rectal cells, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and lymphocytes.
- In contrast, TRS were infrequent and small in control biopsies, indicating SIV-induced changes.
Conclusions:
- Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) are characteristic morphological criteria of intestinal SIV infection in rhesus macaques.
- TRS appear early in the infection and are abundant in rectal tissues, suggesting diagnostic utility.
- The presence of conspicuous TRS in multiple cell types offers potential diagnostic and prognostic value for intestinal SIV infection.
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