OCCURRENCE OF RETROVIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES IN VARIOUS CELLULAR AND INTERCELLULAR COMPARTMENTS OF THE VENOM GLANDS FROM BOTHROPS-JARARACUSSU

Retrovirus-like particles were detected in venom glands from Bothrops jararacussu during electron microscopy. Type C-like particles were fou nd inter- and intracellularly in gland and vessel lumina and scattered in the connective tissue. They were about 100 nm in diameter, with an electron dense core and bilaminar external membrane. Shapes suggestiv e of a budding process from the plasma membrane were also observed. Le ss frequently, type A-like particles, about 80 nm diameter with an ele ctronlucent core, appeared in association with the membranes of the en doplasmic reticulum of the secretory cells.