Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal cell death in HIV dementia.
The deaths of neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells have been described in patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) dementia. HIV-1 does not infect neurons; instead, neurotoxic substances shed by infected glia and macrophages can induce a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis in neurons. These neurotoxins include the HIV-1 proteins Tat and gp120, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, excitotoxins and proteases. In this article we review the evidence for apoptosis of various cell types within the brain of HIV-infected patients, and describe in vitro and in vivo experimental studies that have elucidated the mechanisms by which HIV causes apoptosis of brain cells.
Li
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RT Johnson Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infection, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Galey
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Mattson
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MP
Nath
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D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D018925:Chemokines / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D009498:Neurotoxins; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology
D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines; D009498:Neurotoxins; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II