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Astrocytic adhesion molecules are increased in HIV-1-associated cognitive/motor complex
D Seilhean1, A Dzia-Lepfoundzou, V Sazdovitch
1Raymond Escourolle Laboratory of Neuropathology, La Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Cell adhesion molecules like ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are elevated in AIDS patients, particularly in demented individuals, suggesting their role in HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Half of AIDS dementia cases show HIV-encephalitis or myelin pallor, while others have no clear neuropathological changes.
- Cerebral dysfunction in AIDS may stem from subtle cellular interactions, potentially involving cell adhesion molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in astrocytes and endothelial cells.
- To correlate ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression with neuropathological diagnosis, astrogliosis, HIV-1 density, and mental status in AIDS patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to localize ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression.
- Immunohistochemistry detected HIV protein gp41 in adjacent tissue sections.
- Expression levels were analyzed in 12 AIDS patients (8 demented) and compared to 6 multiple sclerosis and 6 non-neurological disease controls.
Main Results:
- Endothelial ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was significantly upregulated in all AIDS patients.
- VCAM-1 expression correlated with myelin pallor.
- Increased VCAM-1 or ICAM-1 positive astrocytes were found in demented AIDS patients, irrespective of neuropathology or gp41 density.
Conclusions:
- Cell adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, are implicated in the pathogenesis of white matter lesions.
- These molecules, potentially alongside cytokine secretion, may contribute to HIV-1-associated cognitive changes.