IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION OF HIV-1 RNA IN RETINAL VASCULAR WALL

In situ hybridization of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) has be en performed on eight eyes from eight distinct acquired immune deficie ncy syndrome patients (three cases bad a normal fundus examination and five presented with cytomegalovirus retinitis). The eyes were removed at autopsy and frozen immediately. Contiguous 10-mu cryostat sections were obtained and tested with a HIV probe labeled by nick-translation with [S-35]-ATP. HIV-1 RNA was detected in the retina of two acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. The first positive case presente d with typical ophthalmological and histopathological cytomegalovirus retinitis, the second one was not related to cytomegalovirus, accordin g to clinical or histopathological classical criterias. HIV-1 was loca lized in retinal vascular walls. This shows that there is an active re plication of HIV in retina of some acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients.