Document 0211
 DOCN  M9460211
 TI    Immunohistochemical characterization of endometrial lymphoid cell
       populations in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
 DT    9404
 AU    Johnstone FD; Williams AR; Bird GA; Bjornsson S; Department of
       Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Edinburgh University,; Scotland.
 SO    Obstet Gynecol. 1994 Apr;83(4):586-93. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94181214
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To determine whether lymphocytic infiltration of the
       endometrium accompanies human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
       METHODS: Endometrial samples from 12 HIV-infected women and from
       rigorously matched controls were examined. The following markers were
       used: common leukocyte antigen (CD45), T lymphocytes (CD3),
       monocytes-macrophages (CD68), and CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes. Cell counts
       were performed without knowledge of HIV status. Factors considered in
       relation to these markers were menstrual symptoms, pelvic pain,
       peripheral blood CD4+ count, and time since seroconversion. RESULTS:
       Histology showed conventional features of chronic endometritis in only
       one case. In the remainder, the endometrium of HIV-infected women,
       compared with controls, showed an increase in CD45 cells (P < .02) and
       an increase in CD3 staining cells (P < .05). This appeared to be
       restricted to those with menstrual symptoms, and this group also had
       lower peripheral blood CD4 counts. There was no difference in cells of
       the monocyte-macrophage series (CD68). In contrast to control samples,
       CD4 lymphocytes were infrequent or absent in the endometrium of
       HIV-infected women, regardless of peripheral blood CD4 count or presence
       of menstrual symptoms; however, this was not universal, as one sample
       showed an area of dense CD4 cell infiltration. The ratio of CD4 to CD8
       was reduced in HIV-seropositive samples compared with controls (P <
       .02). CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that chronic endometritis of a
       nonclassical form may be common in advancing HIV disease, possibly
       directed against HIV-infected cells or self-determined antigens. This
       could be associated with morbidity and may represent a reservoir of
       infection. Endometrial depletion of CD4 cells is a common, but not
       universal, feature and may be independent of immune compromise.
 DE    Adult  Antigens, CD45  CD4-CD8 Ratio  Endometrium/*PATHOLOGY  Female
       Human  HIV Seropositivity/IMMUNOLOGY/*PATHOLOGY  Immunohistochemistry
       Leukocyte Count  Lymphocytes/*PATHOLOGY  T-Lymphocytes,
       Suppressor-Effector  T4 Lymphocytes  JOURNAL ARTICLE

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       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).