The histopathological changes in the thymus gland in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 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


The histopathological changes in the thymus gland in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1984;437:493-502. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85197391
Davis AE Jr

Abstract: Histologic study of the thymus glands from patients who have died of AIDS reveals changes consistent with an organ-specific immune complex attack by polyclonal immunoglobulins directed against the thymic epithelial cells, Hassall's corpuscles, and certain subsets of thymocytes. This results in marked architectural alteration: there is eventual disappearance of the corpuscles, the epithelial cells become spindled with pyknotic nuclei, there is thymocyte depletion and patchy fibrosis, and there is loss of the normal corticomedullary demarcation. These changes are characteristic and are not found in the normal aging process of the thymus gland. The blood levels of thymic peptides are abnormal. There appears to be specific immunoglobulins directed against thymic epithelial cells, Hassall's corpuscles, and certain subsets of T lymphocytes. The end result appears to be both a histologic and functional thymic disorder. If this is correct, then appropriate therapy for AIDS may be thymic peptide replacement or even thymic transplantation.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PATHOLOGY Adolescence Adult Child Child, Preschool Human Immunity, Cellular Male Middle Age Plasma Cells/PATHOLOGY Thymus Gland/IMMUNOLOGY/*PATHOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDpathologyadolescenceadultchildchild,preschoolhumanimmunity,cellularmalemiddleageplasmacells/pathologythymusgland/immunology/KWDpathologyjournalarticle
850830
M8580152

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 Always watch for outdated information.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. .