Figure 3
CD38 mRNA expression corresponds with viral gene expression in HIV-1 YU-2 transfected astrocytes. Astrocytes were transfected with a dose of HIV-1YU-2 plasmid 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 μg/1.5 million cells and assayed for CD38 expression and cell viability. (A) Twenty four hours post-HIV-1YU-2-transfection, CD38 expression increased significantly in a dose-dependant manner a measured by RT-PCR (p < 0.001). (B) Metabolic activity levels were unchanged by HIV-1YU-2 transfection at 0.2 and 0.4 μg as compared to mock. However, at 0.8 μg metabolic activity was significantly reduced at 7 day (p < 0.001). In subsequent experiments astrocytes were transfected with 0.3 μg and mRNA and protein levels were assayed at day five, to ensure viability of HIV-1YU-2-transfected astrocytes was not compromised during the experimental time course.