Articles

AIDS, KAPOSI SARCOMA, AND THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: UPDATE AND REFLECTIONS

Authors: MH Witte ( ) , CL Witte ( ) , DL Way ( ) , M Fiala ( )

Abstract

Based on ongoing basic and clinical investigations, further evidence is presented that the AIDS-Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) complex involves a progressive disturbance of the blood-lymph circulatory loop of fluid, macromolecules, and migrating cells. We first surveyed the spectrum of vascular abnormalities including Kaposi sarcoma (KS) found in the AIDS/ARC population, then non-invasively imaged lymphatic system abnormalities in AIDS-KS by whole body lymphangioscintigraphy, and finally examined the biologic behavior of AIDS-KS cells in long-term tissue culture. These observations are viewed in terms of the lymphatic and blood vascular route of entry and transport of free and cell-associated virus and other opportunistic pathogens as well as poorly understood host endothelial-immune system interactions.

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How to Cite: Witte, M. , Witte, C. , Way, D. & Fiala, M. (1990) “AIDS, KAPOSI SARCOMA, AND THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: UPDATE AND REFLECTIONS”, Lymphology. 23(2).