Cerebrospinal fluid 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in HIV-1 infection

Reduced level of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in humans has been a ssociated with a number of mental health and behavioral problems including depression, aggression, violence, sexual dysfunctions, sleep and eating dis orders. Even though among HIV-l-infected individuals, prevalence of mental health and behavioral problems are common, their relationship with central nervous system serotonin functions is not clearly understood. This investig ation was carried out to study the status of CSF 5-HT in HIV-1+ subjects (n = 21), in the early stage of infection, and HIV-1- control subjects (n = 2 4). Samples of CSF were obtained by lumbar puncture and were analyzed for 5 -HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), using high-perf ormance liquid chromatography equipped with electrochemical detector. Level s of CSF 5-HT were significantly lower in the HIV-1+ group compared to the HIV-1- group. There was no significant difference in the CSF 5-HIAA levels between the two groups. In both groups, however, there was a significant co rrelation between CSF 5-HT and 5-HIAA. In the HIV-1+ group, although CSF 5- HT level was significantly negatively correlated with serostatus, there was no correlation between either CSF 5-HT or 5-HIAA levels and CD4 cell numbe r or any behavioral measures evaluated in this study, including Beck's Depr ession Inventory and state/trait anxiety scores. These data suggest that HI V-1 infection affects the CNS 5-HT status with no significant association w ith measures of depression and anxiety, at least in the early stage of infe ction. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.