Effect of pretreatment of semen with pokeweed antiviral protein on pregnancy outcome in the rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether artificial insemination of semen pretreated with pokeweed antiviral protein, a 29-kD antihuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein purified from the leaves of Phytolacca americana, has any adverse effects on pregnancy outcome in the rabbit model.

DESIGN

Prospective, controlled study.

SETTING

Center for Advanced Preclinical Sciences at the Parker Hughes Institute.

ANIMAL(S): Forty-eight female and 12 male New Zealand White rabbits.

INTERVENTION(S): Fresh pooled semen obtained from 12 bucks was treated for 1 hour with and without 100 microg/mL or 1000 microg/mL pokeweed antiviral protein. Ovulated does in groups of 16 were artificially inseminated with control and pokeweed antiviral protein-treated semen and allowed to complete term pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Proportion of does that became pregnant and delivered newborn rabbits; the litter size, weight, growth, and viability of pups until lactation day 5.

RESULT(S): Pokeweed antiviral protein treatment of semen had no adverse effect on gestation length, pregnancy rate, perinatal outcome, growth, and development of the offspring.

CONCLUSION(S): Pokeweed antiviral protein shows clinical potential as a safe, prophylactic antiviral agent in assisted reproduction in HIV-1 discordant couples.