Immune function in 97 homosexually active men (none of whom had HIV infection) was assessed. Data revealed that mitogenesis in those who used volatile nitrites compared to those who did not was higher at 72 h but that there was no difference between the groups at 96 h. In those who had high as compared to low nitrite use, mitogenesis was higher at 72 h but decreased significantly by 96 h. These data support previous suggestions that immunosuppressive effects of nitrites alone cannot account for the development of Kaposi's sarcoma in homosexual men with HIV infection.
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MarmorMFriedman-KienAELaubensteinL. Risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma in homosexual men. Lancet1982; i: 1083–7
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HaverkosHWPinskyPFDrotmanDP. Disease manifestation among homosexual men with acquired immune deficiency syndrome: A possible role of nitrites in Kaposi's sarcoma. Sex Transm Dis1985; 12: 203–8
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LifsonARDarrowWWHessolNA. Kaposi's sarcoma in a cohort of homosexual and bisexual men. Epidemiology and analysis for cofactors. Am J Epidemiol1990; 131: 221–31
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HershEMReubenJMBogerdH. Effects of the recreational agent isobutyl nitrite on human peripheral blood leukocytes and on in vitro interferon production. Cancer Res1983; 43: 1265–71
