Behavioural mechanisms in AIDS patients under stress.
Clinical observation at the Kenyatta National Hospital showed unusually rapid deterioration of patients testing seropositive to HIV infection and being moved to a side room for nursing. This pilot study tested the hypothesis that deterioration was at least partly, mediated by B-endorphins and other endogeneous opioids. The study design was a prospective and comparative study looking at 6 HIV seropositive and 10 control (HIV seronegative) patients matched for sex, age, and clinical status at time of study. The laboratory measures compaired were baseline, and daily serum B-endorphin and ACTH. A significant variation is noted between the two groups. The significance of this study is discussed.
Kwasa
T O
TO
University of Nairobi.
Townes
B
B
Hill
H
H
Carr
J
J
Mwai
S
S
Schaffer
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008875:Middle Aged; D010356:Patient Isolation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone