Reduction of human immunodeficiency virus production and cytopathic effects by inhibitors of the Na super(+)/K super(+)/2Cl super(-) cotransporter

Infection of CD4 super(+) T-lymphoblastoid cells by cytopathic strains of HIV-1 results in an increase in cell volume that leads to lysis and cell death. The increase in volume is attributable in part to an HIV-induced increase in intracellular monovalent ion concentrations mediated by the plasma membrane-associated Na super(+)/K super(+)/2 Cl super(-) cotransporter. Loop diuretics, which inhibit cotransporter activity, blocked HIV-induced HIV production and cytopathic effects of physiologically employed concentrations.