We previously demonstrated that cellular mRNAs are degraded in CD4 positive lymphocytes infected by the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV-1, but not in cells infected by the simian lentivirus, SIV. To begin to define the molecular mechanisms underlying this RNA degradation, we have established an in vitro RNA degradation assay utilizing extracts from both infected and uninfected cells. We found that in vitro transcribed, 32P-radiolabeled actin RNA was degraded in extracts prepared from CEM, CEMx174, and C8166 cells which were infected with HIV-1. Minimal actin RNA degradation was observed in extracts prepared from uninfected cells. Similarly little degradation was observed in cell-free extracts prepared from SIV-infected cells. To determine if viral RNA sequences could impart enhanced stability to cellular RNAs in our in vitro assay, we prepared radiolabeled RNAs that contained selected viral RNA determinants. One such RNA contained the HIV-1 specific TAR (transactivating region) sequence (nucleotides 1-111) appended to a reporter CAT RNA. Like the cellular actin RNA, these TARCAT RNAs were degraded in HIV-1-infected cell extracts, but not in extracts from uninfected cells or extracts prepared from SIV-infected cells. In contrast, an RNA containing only authentic HIV-1 sequences comprising TAR and gag sequences was more stable than actin RNA in HIV-1-infected extracts. These results, taken together, suggest that the in vitro assay reproduces events that occur in vivo and provide a starting point for identifying the factor responsible for cellular RNA degradation in HIV-1-infected cells.