gp120-mediated alterations in astrocyte ion transport

Abstract

The pathogenesis of the acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex (ADC) is unknown. However, recent work indicates that neurons and astrocytes are functionally compromised by exposure to viral components or cellular factors released from HIV-1-infected macrophages/microglia. We show that exposure of primary cultured rat astrocytes to the major HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 results in alterations of ion and solute transport that may contribute to neuronal cell injury.