Neuronal damage - recent issues and implications for therapy.

The spectrum of structural damage in the brain associated with HIV is now more fully understood. Such changes include inflammatory disorders (such as HIV encephalitis, leukoencephalopathy, and diffuse poliodystrophy), dendritic and synaptic damage, and neuronal loss. However, the relationship between neuronal damage and loss and clinical variables is still not clear. In my laboratory my research group has been addressing three separate areas, which will be the subject of this presentation. (1) The relationship of neuronal damage and loss to various clinical features such as cognitive symptoms, and risk group. (2) The cellular site of production of neurotoxic factors in the HIV-infected brain. (3) Assessing potential neuroprotective strategies using appropriate in-vitro models.