Comparison of Spinal Fluid 2-microglobulin Levels with CD4+ T Cell Count, In Vitro T Helper Cell Function, and Spinal Fluid IgG Parameters in 163 Neurologically Normal Adults Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
β2-microglobulin levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 163 human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+)persons with normal neurologic physical examinations. None wereon antiretroviral therapy. Only 3% had a positive CSF HIV p24 antigen test. The CSF β2-microglobulin levels increased as the CD4+ T cell count decreased. Intrathecal production of 132-microglobulin was suggested by finding CSF concentrations greater than serum concentrations in 15%of patients. The CSF 132-microglobulin levels rose as in vitro T helper cell function deteriorated, independent of CD4+ T cell count. CSF β2-microglobulin levels paralleled CSF IgG, IgG index, and IgG synthesis. Higher CSF β2-microglobulin levels werefound in persons with positive CSF oligoclonal bands. CSF β2-microglobulin concentration may serve as a marker for subclinical neurologic damage due to HIV. If this is established, defining the effect of anti-HIV interventions on CSF 132-microglobulin would be warranted.