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

Abstract

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.Interventions: Fresh pooled semen obtained from 12 bucks was treated for 1 hour with and without 100 μg/mL or 1000 μg/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.