T Cell Immunophenotypes and DR Antigen Expression in Intravenous Drug Users

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Abstract
Thirty-six intravenous drug users were studied for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) immunophenotypes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological profiles. This population has a high risk for developing HIV infection. Half (18/36) were HIV antibody (Ab) negative (––) and half were positive (+). Total T lymphocytes (CD3+ and CD2+) were not different between HIV Ab-negative and HIV-positive groups. Unactivated T(CD3 + DR––) cells/mm3 were less (p = 0.003) in HIV Ab-positive patients (1,467 ± 628) compared to HIV Ab-negative patients (2,190 ± 695). T-helper (CD4+) cells/mm3 were also less in HIV Ab-positive patients (762 ± 344 vs. 1,161 ± 419, p = 0.005). The most significant difference was in activated T lymphocyte (CD3 + DR+) percentages where the mean was 9.6% in those HIV Ab-positive compared to 3.8% in seronegatives (p < 0.001). Preliminary studies showed that in vitro naloxone treatment of PBMC had no effects on immunophenotypic expression except for CD3 + DR+ lymphocytes, where a significant reduction was observed in the HIV Ab-positive group (p = 0.022) but not in the HIV ab-negative group. These findings suggest that in certain populations, activated T cells may be an early manifestation of HIV infection.

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