Biopolymers and cell. 1997; 13 (4): 328 - 334

Mechanisms of HIV-1 mediated neurodegeneration promoted by macrophages and astroglial factors

I. S. Magura, O. M. Rozhmanova

Neurological disease is a prominent feature of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infection, usually occurring during the last stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The neurologic cognitive impairment, termed HIV-1-associated cognitive/motor complex (AIDS dementia complex). Astrocytes and microglia. are key participants in mediating the neurologic dysfunction associated with HIV infection of the central nervous systems. The neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection is related to secretory neumtoxins from activated HIV-1-infected macrophages The toxins produced by the macropliagcs include g/utainale-like neurotoxic molecules, free radicals, cysteine, platelet-activating factor, cylokines, and eicosanoids such as arachidonic acid, and as yet unidentified factors emanating from stimulated macmphagcs and/or reactive astrocytes.