In vitro activation of peripheral mononuclear cells by zinc in HIV-infected patients and healthy controls

Abstract

SUMMARYZinc is a mitogen for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The optimal milogcnic concentration was found to be 005 mmol// (327 /ig/dl), four times higher than physiological serum levels. Maximal proliferation was observed after 6 days. Limited dilution teehnique revealed a frequency of zinc reactive cells of 1:3467 (median; range 1:1628 t :6235}. Cord blood mononuclear cells from four of six healthy children eould be stimulated lo proliferate by zinc. A normal /incindueed proliferative response could be demonstrated in all six HlV-infeeted patients in the WalterRccd-stage I. in nine of 11 patients in Walter-Reed II and in only two of five patients in Waller-Reed III. In Walter-Reed IV to VI all eight patients showed a weak response to zinc ( <SQ"A^ of the healthy day control). Decreased zinc serum levels were found in 10 of 28 patients and in one of 16 controls. There was a signifieant correlation ofa diminished zinc-induced proliferation with lower serum levels ofzineanda reduced proportion ofCD4 helper cells in HIV-1-infected men. Because ofa suppression of mitogenesis by high dose of zinc an excessive intake of zinc as used by some HIV-1-infected patients can presently not be recommended. The value of zinc-induced proliferation for monitoring HIV-infected patients has still to be established.