Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes
Published on: June 13, 2011
Pathways to neuronal injury and apoptosis in HIV-associated dementia
M Kaul1, G A Garden, S A Lipton
1Center for Neuroscience and Aging Research, The Burnham Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Abstract:
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) can induce dementia with alarming occurrence worldwide. The mechanism remains poorly understood, but discovery in brain of HIV-1-binding sites (chemokine receptors) provides new insights. HIV-1 infects macrophages and microglia, but not neurons, although neurons are injured and die by apoptosis. The predominant pathway to neuronal injury is indirect through release of macrophage, microglial and astrocyte toxins, although direct injury by viral proteins might also contribute. These toxins overstimulate neurons, resulting in the formation of free radicals and excitotoxicity, similar to other neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advances in understanding the signalling pathways mediating these events offer hope for therapeutic intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Viral Meningitis
Arboviral Encephalitis
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

