Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
09:16

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration

Published on: January 22, 2016

Additive deleterious effects of methamphetamine dependence and immunosuppression on neuropsychological functioning in

Catherine L Carey1, Steven Paul Woods, Julie D Rippeth

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center, San Diego State University and University of California-San Diego, 150 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.

AIDS and Behavior
|February 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Methamphetamine dependence combined with HIV-related immunosuppression significantly worsens brain function. Individuals with both conditions showed the highest rates of neuropsychological impairment, highlighting additive negative effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • HIV infection and methamphetamine (MA) dependence are independently linked to cerebral dysfunction, particularly affecting frontal-basal ganglia pathways.
  • Previous research suggests MA dependence exacerbates neuropsychological (NP) deficits in individuals with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined impact of MA dependence and immunosuppression (CD4 count <200) on NP functioning in HIV-positive individuals.
  • To determine if MA dependence has an additive effect on NP deficits in the context of HIV-related immunosuppression.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 284 HIV-positive individuals categorized into four groups based on MA dependence (MA+ or MA-) and immunosuppression status (CD4 <200 or CD4 >=200).
  • Prevalence of NP impairment was assessed across these four demographically comparable groups.

Main Results:

  • Both MA dependence and immunosuppression were identified as significant predictors of NP impairment.
  • Additive detrimental effects were observed, with the MA+/CD4 <200 group demonstrating the highest prevalence of NP impairment.

Conclusions:

  • MA dependence significantly worsens NP status in immunosuppressed individuals with HIV.
  • The findings suggest combined neuropathophysiological mechanisms in fronto-striatal circuits may underlie the additive negative impact.

More Related Videos

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection08:48

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

Published on: January 21, 2021

Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice07:23

Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice

Published on: December 20, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis01:29

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors01:29

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...