ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Human immunodeficiency virus infection
;
Neopterin
;
Beta2-microglobulin
;
Cerebrospinal fluid
;
Cerebral toxoplasmosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of neopterin and beta2-microglobulin (\2MG) reflect activation of the cellular immune response in the central nervous system (CNS). In 118 consecutive subjects [15 controls and 103 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection classified according to the Walter Reed staging system (WR)], neopterin and β2MG were determined in paired samples of CSF and serum. The permeability of the blood-CSF barrier and local release of neopterin and β2MG were taken into account: The molecular weight and diameter were used to determine filtration at the blood-CSF barrier. CSF neopterin levels were increased in all stages of HIV infection. β2MG levels were elevated in WR2 and later stages. Neopterin, β2MG, and cell counts similarly showed peaks in WR2, as did neopterin and β2MG also in the later stages WR5 and WR6. Neurologically asymptomatic patients exhibited higher neopterin CSF levels than did controls (12.67 ± 11.6 vs. 2.34 ± 1.05 nmol/l, P 〈 0.001) and higher CSF β2MG (2.12 ± 1.25 vs. 1.3 ± 0.37 mg/l, P=0.001). Patients with HIV encephalopathy had higher levels of β2MG (3.75 ± 1.83 mg/1) than asymptomatic patients (P 〈 0.01). CSF levels of neopterin were markedly different in patients with HIV encephalopathy and toxoplasmosis (P 〈 0.01). A high quantity of local release of the markers neopterin and β2MG may reflect HIV infection of the CNS in early and late stages and additional release upon opportunistic infections.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00180282
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