Recreational drugs: relationship to AIDS. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Recreational drugs: relationship to AIDS.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1984;437:192-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85197352
Goedert JJ

Abstract: Current data suggest that a transmissible agent causes AIDS, but undefined cofactors may also play a role. This paper reviews published data on the relationship between recreational drugs and immune alterations, with particular emphasis on nitrite inhalant (NI) use by homosexual men. In our original cohort of 15 homosexual men, helper:suppressor (H:S) T-cell ratios are stable, but persistently lower in the NI users. A recent analysis of 245 homosexual men shows that NI use is associated with low H:S ratios in homosexual men in Washington, D.C., but not in New York. Although NI use could increase the risk of AIDS by direct or indirect effects, it could also be a surrogate for a lifestyle practice that predisposes homosexual men to the putative AIDS agent. The current evidence concerning use of NI and the risk of AIDS is inconclusive, as is true for two other recreational drugs, heroin and cocaine. Future studies may not be able to dissect the complex interrelationships of drug use and other variables until precise laboratory tests are available for defining exposure to the putative AIDS agent and suspect cofactors.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/BLOOD/*ETIOLOGY Amyl Nitrite/BLOOD/*POISONING Animal Dimethylnitrosamine/BLOOD Fluorescent Antibody Technique *Homosexuality Human Male Mice Risk Sarcoma, Kaposi's/CHEMICALLY INDUCED T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer T-Lymphocytes, Suppressor-Effector JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/blood/KWDetiologyamylnitrite/blood/KWDpoisoninganimaldimethylnitrosamine/bloodfluorescentantibodytechniqueKWDhomosexualityhumanmalemicerisksarcoma,kaposi's/chemicallyinducedt-lymphocytes,helper-inducert-lymphocytes,suppressor-effectorjournalarticlereview
850830
M8580099

Copyright © 1985 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1985. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .