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Loss of neurons in the frontal cortex in AIDS brains

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Summary

Neurons of Area 11 in the fronto-orbital cortex of 18 unselected AIDS brains are analyzed by means of stereology. Neurological abnormalities including dementing symptoms were described in eight patients. Neuropathology diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific changes in four, and diffuse poliodystrophy in eight brains. The majority (71.4%) of these brains was immunoreactive for HIV antigens when tested by immunocytochemistry. A significant loss of neurons is found as compared to normal controls. Neuronal density in AIDS brains is reduced by 18%, and the perikaryon volume fractions is reduced by 31%. Although only speculation on pathogenesis of this neuronal loss is possible at present, it may represent a part of the pathomorphological substrate of AIDS-related dementia. Moreover, it confirms by quantitative means damage to the cerebral cortex in AIDS which has been described only qualitatively as diffuse poliodystrophy.

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Supported by the Bundesministerium für Forschung und Technik (FKZ: II-040-87) of the Federal Republic of Germany, and by the Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (P7154-MED) of Austria

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Ketzler, S., Weis, S., Haug, H. et al. Loss of neurons in the frontal cortex in AIDS brains. Acta Neuropathol 80, 92–94 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00294228

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00294228

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