PMID: 11322275Apr 1, 1997Paper

HIV-1 RNA levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may increase owing to damage to the blood-brain barrier

Antiviral Therapy
D M BurgerJ H Beijnen

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 75-90% of all HIV-infected patients. However, it is not yet known which factors influence the amount of HIV-1 in the CSF, either qualitatively or quantitatively. We have analysed HIV-1 RNA in CSF samples from 24 HIV-infected patients using zidovudine who underwent lumbar puncture in order to establish a diagnosis for a neurological disorder. Several factors were examined for possible correlation with the amount of HIV-1 RNA in the CSF: age, gender, the medical indication for lumbar puncture, the most recent CD4 cell count in blood, zidovudine dose, duration of treatment with zidovudine, the zidovudine concentration in plasma and CSF, and the total protein concentration in plasma and CSF. The only statistically significant factor was the total protein level in the CSF, which showed a positive relation with the amount of HIV-1 RNA in the CSF. This study indicates that increased levels of HIV-1 RNA in the CSF of neurologically symptomatic patients are the result of damage to the blood-brain barrier.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Blood Brain Barrier Chips

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of endothelial cells that regulate the influx and outflux of plasma concentrations. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow scientists to model diseases and mechanisms such as the passage of therapeutic antibodies across the BBB. Discover the latest research on BBB chips here.

Blood Brain Barrier Regulation in Health & Disease

The blood brain barrier is essential in regulating the movement of molecules and substances in and out of the brain. Disruption to the blood brain barrier and changes in permeability allow pathogens and inflammatory molecules to cross the barrier and may play a part in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Here is the latest research in this field.

CSF & Lymphatic System

This feed focuses on Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) and the lymphatic system. Discover the latest papers using imaging techniques to track CSF outflow into the lymphatic system in animal models.

Blood Brain Barrier

The blood brain barrier is a border that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Discover the latest search on this highly selective semipermeable membrane here.

© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved