Comparison of spinal fluid beta 2-microglobulin levels with CD4+ T cell count, in vitro T helper cell function, and spinal fluid IgG parameters in 163 neurologically normal adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
Beta 2-microglobulin levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 163 human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) persons with normal neurologic physical examinations. None were on antiretroviral therapy. Only 3% had a positive CSF HIV p24 antigen test. The CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels increased as the CD4+ T cell count decreased. Intrathecal production of beta 2-microglobulin was suggested by finding CSF concentrations greater than serum concentrations in 15% of patients. The CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels rose as in vitro T helper cell function deteriorated, independent of CD4+ T cell count. CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels paralleled CSF IgG, IgG index, and IgG synthesis. Higher CSF beta 2-microglobulin levels were found in persons with positive CSF oligoclonal bands. CSF beta 2-microglobulin concentration may serve as a marker for subclinical neurologic damage due to HIV. If this is established, defining the effect of anti-HIV interventions on CSF beta 2-microglobulin would be warranted.
Lucey
D R
DR
Department of Medicine, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
McGuire
S A
SA
Clerici
M
M
Hall
K
K
Benton
J
J
Butzin
C A
CA
Ward
W W
WW
Shearer
G
G
Boswell
R N
RN
Hendrix
C W
CW
D000418:Albumins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005260:Female; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D015488:HIV Antigens / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*
D000418:Albumins; D015683:Gene Products, gag; D015488:HIV Antigens; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin