RESUMO
It has been postulated that the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may be a result of the systemic presence of an immunosuppressive cyclosporine-like molecule released in chronic fungal infections. This possibility was examined by analysis of blood, plasma, or serum samples obtained from AIDS patients, from subjects with prodromal AIDS, and from healthy subjects belonging to several of the recognized "AIDS risk groups" for cyclosporine-like substances. The sensitivity of the analytic methods and the stability of cyclosporine during the storage of blood were verified by analysis of blood specimens obtained from a normal volunteer after oral ingestion of various doses of cyclosporine. Radioimmunoassay, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and analysis by combination of these two methods failed to detect cyclosporine or cyclosporine-like substances in subjects with established or prodromal AIDS and in AIDS-free persons belonging to the risk groups. These results indicate that the breakdown of cellular immunity in AIDS is not due to circulating cyclosporine.
