HLA-DR expression in macaque neuroendothelial cells in vitro and during SIV encephalitis

HLA-DR expression in neuroendothelial cells (NEC) was studied during the course of SIV encephalitis in rhesus monkeys. HLA-DR determinants were detected on NEC in monkeys with SIV encephalitis, but not in control animals. In situ hybridization with an SIV probe indicated that HLA-DR expression was not a consequence of SIV replication within NEC. Cultured rhesus NEC stimulated with gamma interferon expressed HLA-DR to a higher degree than cultured brain fibroblasts or astrocytes. These data support the contention that NEC participate in retrovirus-induced inflammation and autoimmunity within the central nervous system.     

The Diurnal Variation of the Serum Iron Concentration

Observations made in an investigation of the diurnal variation of the serum iron concentration suggested that the diurnal variations of serum iron can be explained as a phenomenon secondary to the diurnal variation of the hemoglobin metabolism. This hypothesis is supported by parallel changes in the bilirubin and serum iron values.