Peripheral Nerve Degeneration in the HIV-1 Transgenic Rat

. Neurological abnormalities of the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system continue to cause debilitating symptoms in AIDS patients despite advances in antiviral therapy (1). How HIV-1 mediates PNS damage is unknown. Our understanding is limited by the lack of model systems in which HIV/PNS pathology can be studied. Studies on the recently developed HIV-1 transgenic rat (HIV-1TgR) reveal that a subset of these animals displays severe neurological signs. These symptoms include complete or partial paralysis, difficulties in walking and sensitivity to touch. Progressive skeletal muscle mass loss with increasing severity of motor symptoms occurs over time. These clinical observations suggest that morphological changes to the nerve might be found. Peripheral nerve was examined in a group of HIV-1 TGRs which displayed neurologic symptoms. By characterizing the abnormalities in this model, it may be possible to develop theories on pathogenesis relevant to treatment.