Hypothalamic and pituitary function in AIDS.

Clinically relevant HP dysfunction occurs infrequently in the course of HIV infection and AIDS, and is usually due to destruction or infiltration of the region by opportunistic infections. However, more subtle defects occur with much greater frequency. Since these impairments, especially in the gonadotrophic and corticotrophic axes, are observed in HIV patients before the development of ARC or AIDS, direct involvement of the hypothalamus or pituitary by the neurotropic HIV virus or by other HIV-mediated factors is possible. Further investigation of hypothalamic and pituitary hormones by provocative means, in addition to assessment of the pulsatile secretion of these hormones, at all stages of HIV infection will be needed to clarify the role of the virus in these individuals.