Dexamethasone therapy worsens the neuropathology of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 encephalitis in SCID mice. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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


Dexamethasone therapy worsens the neuropathology of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 encephalitis in SCID mice.

J Infect Dis. 1997 Jun;175(6):1368-81. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97323980
Limoges J; Persidsky Y; Bock P; Gendelman HE; Department of Pathology, and the Eppley Institute for Research in; Cancer and Allied Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center,; Omaha 68198-5215, USA.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dementia is a late complication of viral infection. Cognitive dysfunction revolves around the secretion of neurotoxins from immunologically competent virus-infected brain macrophages and microglia. Such macrophage neurotoxins are inflammatory factors that produce selective neuronal dysfunction and ultimately cell death. To evaluate the potential efficacy of antiinflammatory therapy for HIV dementia, dexamethasone was administered to severe combined immunodeficient mice with HIV-1 encephalitis. Mice were given therapeutic doses of dexamethasone before intracerebral inoculation with HIV-1-infected human monocytes. Histochemical evaluation showed a worsening of neuropathology after treatment, with astrogliosis and increased apoptosis of neurons. Laboratory investigation of the mechanisms for the dexamethasone effects revealed increased viability of HIV-infected macrophages and incomplete suppression of neurotoxic inflammatory secretions. The results suggest the need for caution in administering glucocorticoids for treatment of HIV encephalitis in humans.
Keywords: *Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Steroidal/ADVERSE EFFECTS *AIDS Dementia Complex/DRUG THERAPY *Brain/PATHOLOGY *Dexamethasone/ADVERSE EFFECTS *HIV-1/PHYSIOLOGYKWDanti-inflammatoryagents,steroidal/adverseeffectsKWDaidsdementiacomplex/drugtherapyKWDbrain/pathologyKWDdexamethasone/adverseeffectsKWDhiv-1/physiology
970930
M9791331

Copyright © 1997 - 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 Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, 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 1997. 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, 1997. 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. .