BEHAVIORAL MECHANISMS IN AIDS PATIENTS UNDER STRESS

Clinical observation at the Kenyatta National Hospital showed unusuall y rapid deterioration or patients testing seropositive to HIV infectio n and being moved to aside room for nursing. This pilot study tested t he hypothesis that deterioration was at least partly, mediated by B-en dorphins and other endogeneous opioids. The study design was a prospec tive and comparative study looking at 6 HIV seropositive and 10 contro l (HIV seronegative) patients matched for sex, age, and clinical statu s at time of study. The laboratory measures compaired were baseline, a nd daily serum B-endorphin and ACTH. A significant variation is noted between the two groups. The significance of this study is discussed.