| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6020138 | Journal of Neuroimmunology | 2016 | 10 Pages |
â¢Astrocytic damage dominates the neuropathology in HIV-1 Tg rats.â¢No neurogenesis abnormalities in the Tg rat suggesting neurodegenerative processâ¢CSF gp120 levels higher than serum in some Tg rats suggesting local production
The transgenic HIV-1 rat (Tg) is a commonly used neuroHIV model with documented neurologic/behavioral deficits. Using immunofluorescent staining of the Tg brain, we found astrocytic dysfunction/damage, as well as dopaminergic neuronal loss/dysfunction, both of which worsening significantly in the striatum with age. We saw mild microglial activation in young Tg brains, but this decreased with age. There were no differences in neurogenesis potential suggesting a neurodegenerative rather than a neurodevelopmental process. Gp120 CSF levels exceeded serum gp120 levels in some animals, suggesting local viral protein production in the brain. Further probing of the pathophysiology underlying astrocytic injury in this model is warranted.
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