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 found 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 suggestive of a budding process from the plasma membrane were also observed. Less frequently, type A-like particles, about 80 nm diameter with an electronlucent core, appeared in association with the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum of the secretory cells.