Discussion
 
Symptoms & History

Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation
 

Central Nervous System Involvement in AIDS

Macrophages and microglia are the predominate cells of the CNS infected by HIV.
  • HIV probably arrives in the brain by infected monocytes.
  • Even though neurons do not appear to be directly infected, there is substantial neuronal loss, most likely due to viral products and soluble macrophage/microglial factors.
  • Putative soluble factors leading to neuronal death  include: IL-1, IL-6 and TNF.
  • Nitric oxide production in neuronal cells is observed when exposed to gp41 viral glycoprotein.
  • HIV gp120 glycoprotein may interfere with intracellular calcium regulation in neurons. High intracellular levels of calcium lead to major dysfunction in vital enzymes systems. 
Continue                   Back
 

 

Main Index | Slide Table of Contents | Case Studies Table of Contents