Abstract
By immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization at the electron microscopy level, and by the PCR technique, we have shown that HIV-1 binds and enters normal sperm; that viral particles, their antigens, and nucleic acid are present in sperm from HIV-1 infected men; and that such sperm can transfer HIV-1 like particles to normal human oocytes. We also present evidence that a galactosylceramide-like compound is present on the sperm membrane and could function as an alternative receptor for HIV.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission*
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
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Cell Membrane / physiology
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Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
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Disease Transmission, Infectious*
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Female
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Fertilization*
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Galactosylceramides / analysis
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HIV-1 / isolation & purification*
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HIV-1 / ultrastructure
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization
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Male
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Microscopy, Electron
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Oocytes / virology*
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Viral / analysis
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Receptors, HIV / analysis
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Spermatozoa / pathology
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Spermatozoa / ultrastructure
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Spermatozoa / virology*
Substances
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Galactosylceramides
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RNA, Viral
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Receptors, HIV