Secretion of neurotoxins by mononuclear phagocytes infected with HIV-1.
Mononuclear phagocytes (microglia, macrophages, and macrophage-like giant cells) are the principal cellular targets for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in the central nervous system (CNS). Since HIV-1 does not directly infect neurons, the causes for CNS dysfunction in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain uncertain. HIV-1-infected human monocytoid cells, but not infected human lymphoid cells, released toxic agents that destroy chick and rat neurons in culture. These neurotoxins were small, heat-stable, protease-resistant molecules that act by way of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Macrophages and microglia infected with HIV-1 may produce neurologic disease through chronic secretion of neurotoxic factors.
Giulian
D
D
Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Vaca
K
K
Noonan
C A
CA
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003470:Culture Media / Q000032:analysis; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007382:Intermediate Filaments; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology
D003470:Culture Media; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D016202:N-Methylaspartate