Prospective associations between lateralised brain function and immune status in HIV infection: Analysis of EEG, cognition and mood over 30 months

Author(s): Burgess, A., Baldeweg, T., Riccio, M., Hawkins, D., Stygall, J., Catt, S., Irving, G., Catalan, J.

Journal/Book: Int J Psychophysiol. 1996; 23: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 215-224.

Abstract: Prospective relations between individual differences in both lateralised neuro-psychophysiological functions and mood ratings with immune status (CD4 and CD8 counts) were examined in asymptomatic HIV-positive men (n = 27) over thirty months. They participated in a controlled study of zidovudine versus placebo (results published elsewhere). Measures included EEG spectra, neuropsychological tests and mood ratings. A model of reciprocal lateralised influences on the immune system was tested whereby patients with left superior to right hemispheric functions were predicted to show a less deleterious outcome than those with the opposite asymmetry pattern. Prospective relations with immune status were found in the EEG with lateralised theta, alpha and betaI activity; among cognitive measures with word fluency, semantic processing, and lateralised motor and recognition memory (word/face) processes; with mood ratings including depression, confusion and the total mood score. The nature of the effects supported the laterality predictions. These unique data, showing that neuro-psychophysiological factors in HIV+ but otherwise healthy subjects predict immune competence and compromise present 2-3 years later, warrant replication in a larger cohort.

Note: Article Gruzelier J, Univ London, Charing Cross & Westminster Med Sch, Dept Psychiat, Lab Neuropsychophysiol, London W6 8RP, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): HIV infection; immune status; EEG; neuropsychology; mood; lateral asymmetry; longitudinal; HOMOSEXUAL MEN; ASYMMETRY; LATERALIZATION; SYMPTOMS; ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY; HANDEDNESS; DISEASE; LIFE

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