Experimental Infection of African Green Monkeys and Cynomolgus Monkeys With a SIVAGM Strain Isolated From a Healthy African Green Monkey

An infection occurred in all African green monkeys and cynomolgus monkeys experimentally inoculated with SIV_AGM [TYO-1], as demonstrated by the appearance of an antibody to SIV_AGM [TYO-1] and the isolation of the virus. No monkey exhibited overt clinical disorders throughout the experimental period of 42 weeks. Thus, SIV_AGM was not pathogenic to its original host or to macaques, This system is proposed as a model for HIV infection manifesting no overt disease.     

The Role of the Antiviral APOBEC3 Gene Family in Protecting Chimpanzees against Lentiviruses from Monkeys

Cross-species transmissions of viruses from animals to humans are at the origin of major human pathogenic viruses. While the role of ecological and epidemiological factors in the emergence of new pathogens is well documented, the importance of host factors is often unknown. Chimpanzees are the closest relatives of humans and the animal reservoir at the origin of the human AIDS pandemic. However, despite being regularly exposed to monkey lentiviruses through hunting, chimpanzees are naturally infected by only a single simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVcpz. Here, we asked why chimpanzees appear to be protected against the successful emergence of other SIVs. In particular, we investigated the role of the chimpanzee APOBEC3 genes in providing a barrier to infection by most monkey lentiviruses. We found that most SIV Vifs, including Vif from SIVwrc infecting western-red colobus, the chimpanzee’s main monkey prey in West Africa, could not antagonize chimpanzee APOBEC3G. Moreover, chimpanzee APOBEC3D, as well as APOBEC3F and APOBEC3H, provided additional protection against SIV Vif antagonism. Consequently, lentiviral replication in primary chimpanzee CD4⁺ T cells was dependent on the presence of a lentiviral vif gene that could antagonize chimpanzee APOBEC3s. Finally, by identifying and functionally characterizing several APOBEC3 gene polymorphisms in both common chimpanzees and bonobos, we found that these ape populations encode APOBEC3 proteins that are uniformly resistant to antagonism by monkey lentiviruses.     

Mitochondrial Diversity and Distribution of African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus Gray, 1870)

African green monkeys (Chlorocebus) represent a widely distributed and morphologically diverse primate genus in sub‐Saharan Africa. Little attention has been paid to their genetic diversity and phylogeny. Based on morphological data, six species are currently recognized, but their taxonomy remains disputed. Here, we aim to characterize the mitochondrial (mt) DNA diversity, biogeography and phylogeny of African green monkeys. We analyzed the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of 126 samples using feces from wild individuals and material from zoo and museum specimens with clear geographical provenance, including several type specimens. We found evidence for nine major mtDNA clades that reflect geographic distributions rather than taxa, implying that the mtDNA diversity of African green monkeys does not conform to existing taxonomic classifications. Phylogenetic relationships among clades could not be resolved suggesting a rapid early divergence of lineages. Several discordances between mtDNA and phenotype indicate that hybridization may have occurred in contact zones among species, including the threatened Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis). Our results provide both valuable data on African green monkeys’ genetic diversity and evolution and a basis for further molecular studies on this genus. Am. J. Primatol. 75:350‐360, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A species comparison of low density lipoprotein heterogeneity in nonhuman primates fed atherogenic diets

Six male cynomolgus monkeys and five male African green monkeys were fed dietary cholesterol to induce hypercholesterolemia. The two groups studied had equivalent total plasma cholesterol concentrations. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) were isolated from whole plasma by ultracentrifugation and separated from other lipoprotein classes by agarose column chromatography. LDL were further subfractionated by density gradient ultracentrifugation in a VTi-50 vertical rotor. The material within five density regions was pooled from each sample and molecular weight, electrophoretic mobility, apoprotein heterogeneity, and percentage composition were determined for each subfraction. In general, cynomolgus monkey LDL were larger and more polydisperse than African green monkey LDL, and the LDL subfractions of cynomolgus monkeys were generally of lower densities although molecular weights at any density were in the same range for both species. ApoB-100 was the major apoprotein in each subfraction. ApoE was frequently present in the less dense subfractions while apoA-I was often seen in the more dense subfractions. Cynomolgus monkey LDL appeared to contain more apoE than African green monkey LDL. Over the entire spectrum of LDL, the percentage composition of the particles at any given density was indistinguishable between the species. In general, the average cynomolgus monkey LDL was larger, more polydisperse, less dense, and appeared to contain more apoE than the average African green monkey LDL. One or all of these differences might help explain the increased susceptibility to diet-induced atherosclerosis seen in cynomolgus monkeys.     

Comparative study of the oxidation of propranolol enantiomers in hepatic and small intestinal microsomes from cynomolgus and marmoset monkeys

Oxidative metabolism of propranolol (PL) enantiomers (R-PL and S-PL) to 4-hydroxypropranolol (4-OH-PL), 5-OH-PL and N-deisopropylpropranolol (NDP) was examined in hepatic microsomes from cynomolgus and marmoset monkeys and in small intestinal microsomes from monkeys and humans. In hepatic microsomes, levels of oxidation activities were similar between the two monkey species, and substrate enantioselectivity (R-PL < S-PL) was observed in the formation of 5-OH-PL and/or NDP. Kinetic experiments revealed that the formation of all metabolites was biphasic in cynomolgus monkeys, whereas only the formation of NDP was biphasic in marmosets. Inhibition experiments employing human CYP antibodies and chemical inhibitors suggested that mainly CYP2D enzymes and partially CYP1A and 2C enzymes are involved in the oxidation of PL in both monkey liver microsomes. In small intestinal microsomes, activity levels were much higher in cynomolgus monkeys than in marmosets and humans and reversed substrate enantioselectivity (R-PL > S-PL) was seen in the formation of NDP in cynomolgus monkeys and humans and in the formation of 5-OH-PL in marmosets. The formation of the three metabolites in cynomolgus monkeys and the formation of NDP in marmosets were biphasic, while the formation of 4-OH-PL in humans was monophasic. From the inhibition experiments using CYP antibodies, CYP2C9 and 2C19 were thought to be involved as N-deisopropylases and CYP2D6 and 3A4 as 4-hydroxylases in human small intestine. Furthermore, CYP1A, 2C and 3A enzymes could be involved in cynomolgus monkeys and CYP2C and 3A enzymes in marmosets. These results indicate that the oxidative profile of PL in hepatic and small intestinal microsomes differ considerably among cynomolgus monkeys, marmosets and humans.     

Hematological,biochemical, respiratory,cardiovascular and electroneurophysiological parameters in African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus). Its use in non‐clinical toxicological studies

Background The purpose of this study is to better characterize the hematological, biochemical, respiratory, cardiovascular and electroneurophysiological parameters in young adult Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus of both sexes. The rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys are widely used as experimental primate models. However, only few articles have been published testing toxicological effects of pharmaceuticals on African green monkey. Methods The present study was carried out with the recompilation of all parameters recorded before the first drug administration in five sub‐chronic or chronic toxicological studies performed on 66 Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus, born in Cuba. Results This study provides hematological, biochemical, respiratory, cardiovascular and electroneurophysiological data for both choosing animals to be included into experiments and monitoring these parameters during the study. Conclusions We conclude that this study provides valuable integrated data for determining the health status, including electroneurophysiological parameters, data not previously reported for this species, of the African green monkey.     

Sequences of primate insulin genes support the hypothesis of a slower rate of molecular evolution in humans and apes than in monkeys.

The chimpanzee and African green monkey insulin genes have been cloned and sequenced. These two sequences together with the previously reported sequences for the human and owl monkey insulin genes provide additional support for the hominoid-rate-slowdown hypothesis, i.e., a slower rate of nucleotide substitution in humans and apes than in monkeys. When these sequences and other primate sequences available for the relative-rate test were considered together, the substitution rate in the Old World monkey lineage was shown to be significantly higher than the rates in the human and chimpanzee lineages. This was true regardless of whether the eta-globin pseudogene was included in the analysis. Therefore, in contrast to the claim by Easteal, the hominoid-rate-slowdown is not unique to the eta-globin pseudogene but appears to be a rather general phenomenon. On average, the substitution rate at silent sites is about 1.5 times higher in the Old World monkey lineage than in the human and chimpanzee lineages.     

印度尼西亚源食蟹猴干扰素-γ基因的克隆和序列分析

目的获得印度尼西亚食蟹猴的干扰素-γ基因,为常用实验猕猴干扰素-γ的基因工程生产奠定基础。方法根据GenBank上公布的恒河猴干扰素-γ基因序列设计特异性引物,从印度尼西亚食蟹猴的外周血液中分离单核淋巴细胞,利用Trizol试剂,提取淋巴细胞的总RNA,通过RT-PCR的方法获得干扰素-γ基因片段,并对该片段进行克隆、鉴定和序列分析。结果扩增到一498bp的目的片段,经序列测定证实为印度尼西亚食蟹猴的干扰素-γ基因,与恒河猴、人及狒狒的干扰素-γ基因相比,同源性分别为100%、96%、99%。结论常用的两种实验猕猴食蟹猴与恒河猴的干扰素-γ基因完全相同。     

Transient Compartmentalization of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Variants in the Breast Milk of African Green Monkeys

Natural hosts of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), African green monkeys (AGMs), rarely transmit SIV via breast-feeding. In order to examine the genetic diversity of breast milk SIV variants in this limited-transmission setting, we performed phylogenetic analysis on envelope sequences of milk and plasma SIV variants of AGMs. Low-diversity milk virus populations were compartmentalized from that in plasma. However, this compartmentalization was transient, as the milk virus lineages did not persist longitudinally.     

Phylogeny of African monkeys based upon mitochondrial 12S rRNA sequences

The suborder Anthropoidea of the primates has traditionally been divided in three superfamilies: the Hominoidea (apes and humans) and the Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys), together comprising the infraorder Catarrhini, and the Ceboidea (New World monkeys) belonging to the infraorder Platyrrhini.We have sequenced an approximately 390-base-pair part of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for 26 species of the major groups of African monkeys and apes and constructed an extensive phylogeny based upon DNA evidence. Not only is this phylogeny of great importance in classification of African guenons, but it also suggests rearrangements in traditional monkey taxonomy and evolution. Baboons and mandrills were found to be not directly related, while we could confirm that the known four superspecies of mangabeys do not form a monophyletic group, but should be separated into two genera, one clustering with baboons and the other with mandrills. Patas monkeys are clearly related to members of the genus Cercopithecus despite their divergence in build and habitat, while the talapoin falls outside the Cercopithecus clade (including the patas monkey). Correspondence to: A.C. van der Kuyl     

Comparison of antigenicity of serum immunoglobulin G among human, cynomolgus monkey, African green monkey and squirrel monkey

Antigenicity of IgG was compared among human, the cynomolgus monkey, the African green monkey and the squirrel monkey by the quantitative precipitation test using purified IgG of and rabbit anti-IgG serum to each species. Clear cross-antigenicity was observed between the cynomolgus monkey and the African green monkey and less clear cross-antigenicity between human and the cynomolgus monkey or the African green monkey. The cross-antigenicity observed between the squirrel monkey and the other three species examined was evidently weak.     

Direct estimate of the spontaneous germ line mutation rate in African green monkeys

Here, I provide the first direct estimate of the spontaneous mutation rate in an Old World monkey, using a seven individual, three‐generation pedigree of African green monkeys. Eight de novo mutations were identified within ～1.5 Gbp of accessible genome, corresponding to an estimated point mutation rate of 0.94 × 10^?8 per site per generation, suggesting an effective population size of ～12000 for the species. This estimation represents a significant improvement in our knowledge of the population genetics of the African green monkey, one of the most important nonhuman primate models in biomedical research. Furthermore, by comparing mutation rates in Old World monkeys with the only other direct estimates in primates to date–humans and chimpanzees–it is possible to uniquely address how mutation rates have evolved over longer time scales. While the estimated spontaneous mutation rate for African green monkeys is slightly lower than the rate of 1.2 × 10^?8 per base pair per generation reported in chimpanzees, it is similar to the lower range of rates of 0.96 × 10^?8–1.28 × 10^?8 per base pair per generation recently estimated from whole genome pedigrees in humans. This result suggests a long‐term constraint on mutation rate that is quite different from similar evidence pertaining to recombination rate evolution in primates.     

Infection of an HIV-1/SIVmac Chimeric Virus Having HIV-1 env to Macaque Monkeys via the Vaginal Cavity

We previously reported that an HIV-1/SIVmac chimeric virus (designated as NM-3rN) having HIV-1 env efficiently infected macaque monkeys by intravenous inoculation. In this study, this chimeric virus was atraumatically inoculated into the vaginal cavity of two rhesus and one cynomolgus monkeys. Although antibody response and detection of proviral genome by PCR were observed in both rhesus monkeys, virus recovery was only once from PBMC in one of them. In the cynomolgus monkey, no virus was recovered and proviral DNA detection was rare. Thus, vaginal inoculation with NM-3rN resulted in poor systemic infection, implying the presence of selective pressure while passing through mucosal membranes.     

人工饲养恒河猴、食蟹猴的繁殖性能初报

目的探索北京地区人工饲养恒河猴与食蟹猴的繁殖性能,为温带地区猕猴的人工饲养和繁殖方式提供借鉴。方法对军事医学科学院实验动物中心饲养的317只恒河猴繁殖群（30只雄猴,287只雌猴）和78只食蟹猴繁殖群（8只雄猴,70只雌猴）近两年的繁殖性状进行观察和统计分析。结果恒河猴母猴妊娠率、繁殖率和成活率分别为60.73%、54.45%和96.89%。食蟹猴母猴妊娠率、繁殖率和成活率分别为79.86%、56.12%和75.00%。结论食蟹猴和恒河猴可以成功的在温带地区饲养和繁殖,但人工饲养食蟹猴的妊娠率与产仔率较恒河猴高,而仔猴成活率则低于恒河猴。     

Isolation of foamy virus from rhesus, African green and cynomolgus monkey Leukocytes.

Foamy virus (FV) was recovered regularly from the leukocyte of rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys and somewhat less often from African green monkey leukocytes. Virus was found in virtually all organs of experimentally infected rhesus monkeys. No illness or pathologic abnormalities were noted in these animals or in any of the naturally infected animals in spite of the prolonged period of viral persistence in various organs and tissues.     

RFLP analysis of theHLA-, ChLA-, andRhLA-DQ alpha chain gene regions: Conservation of restriction sites during evolution

Genomic DNA samples, derived from a panel of 60 chimpanzees and 45 rhesus monkeys, were digested with the restriction enzymesTaq I andBgl II and hybridized with an HLA-DQ alpha chain cDNA probe. The results were compared with the data available on a human reference panel. Use of the restriction enzymeTaq I and the DQ alpha chain probe allows the detection of fiveHLA-DQA1 and twoHLA-DQA2 gene-associated fragments within the human population. For the ChLA and RhLA systems, 3 and 7 different DQA1-associated restriction patterns were detected, respectively, while for the chimpanzee a nonpolymorphicDQA2 (DX alpha) gene-associated fragment was also observed. The equivalent of theHLA- andChLA-DQA2 genes appears to be absent in the rhesus monkey. TheChLA-DQA1 and-DQA2 gene-associated RFLP patterns are identical in man and chimpanzee, whereas such restriction site conservation is not seen in the rhesus monkey. The conclusion drawn is that the genetic organization of theHLA-DQA andChLA-DQA gene regions, and possibly some of their allelic variabilities, already existed before man and chimpanzee separated in evolution. Moreover, the particular duplication which led to the generation of theHLA- andChLA-DQA2 genes must have happened before speciation of members belonging to the superfamily Hominoidea (man, chimpanzee, etc), but probably after the separation of superfamily Cercopitecoidea (rhesus monkeys, baboons, etc.) from Hominoidea.     

Serological survey for two simian retroviruses in macaques and African green monkeys

Colonies of nonhuman primates at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine (BGSM) were tested for antibodies to two retroviruses associated with immunodeficiency by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and western blot. A total of 471 cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), 144 rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) and 67 stumptail monkey M. arctoides) were tested for SRV-1, and 152 African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were tested for SIV. Of the macaques tested, 170 (36%) cynomolgus, 5 (3%) rhesus and 8 (12%) stumptails were positive for SRV-1 antibodies by IFA. Of the African green monkeys, 54 (36%) were IFA positive for SIV antibodies. A total of 143 African green monkeys tested by IFA also were tested by western blot. In the African green monkeys, the IFA had a positive predictive value of 98% and a negative predictive value of 96%. Of 176 IFA positive macaque sera tested by western blot, 49 (28%) were positive, 55 (31%) were considered equivocal (only one band, usually to p27 core protein), and 72 (41%) were negative.