Alcohol abuse has many deleterious actions upon the host, but one of the more severe effects is immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to both systemic and pulmonary infections. The monocyte/macrophage, a critical cell in the inflammatory response, is thought to be a prime target of ethanol abuse resulting in derangements of its inflammatory effector functions. HIV/AIDS is also characterized by immunosuppression primarily due to a decrease in the number of CD4+ T-helper cell population. It has more recently been appreciated that HIV infection of CD4+ monocytes/macrophages alters their functional state and may compromise their responsiveness to opportunistic pathogens. Furthermore, alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS often co-exist. It is important, therefore, to examine interactions between ethanol abuse and HIV disease progression, and the development of opportunistic infections. Using SIV- infected rhesus monkeys, a well-accepted model of HIV/AIDS, studies will test the following Specific Aims: 1) To determine the effect of in vitro ethanol exposure on the ability of alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes (isolated longitudinally during the progression of SIV infection) to initiate and regulate cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to undergo phagocytosis, and to generate an oxidative burst, 2) To characterize the effects f ethanol exposure in vitro on SIV infectivity of alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes from uninfected animals. These results will provide novel information necessary to further address interactions between ethanol, HIV disease progression, and resultant opportunistic infections.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
5F30AA005470-03
Application #
2796174
Study Section
Biochemistry, Physiology and Medicine Subcommittee (ALCB)
Project Start
1998-10-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-10-01
Budget End
1999-09-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Louisiana State University Hsc New Orleans
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
782627814
City
New Orleans
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70112