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PubMed2008

Mate retention behavior of men and women in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

Comparing the behavior of heterosexual and homosexual persons can provide insight into the origins of heterosexual sex differences in psychology. Evidence indicates that, aside from sexual partner preference, the mating psychology of homosexual men is sex-typical whereas that of homosexual women tends to be more sex-atypical. The current study examined one aspect of mating psychology, mate retention behavior, and tested whether homosexual men and women were sex-typical or sex-atypical for those mate retention tactics where heterosexual men and women differed. Men and women in heterosexual and homosexual relationships were asked to provide information regarding their partners' mate retention behavior by using the Mate Retention Inventory Questionnaire. Heterosexual men and women differed significantly for six of the 19 mate retention tactics considered. With respect to the six mate retention tactics where heterosexual sex differences existed, homosexual men behaved in a sex-typical manner for five of the tactics, whereas homosexual women behaved in a sex-atypical manner for all six tactics. We discuss the significance of these findings for explaining the origins of the mate retention behavior of heterosexual men and women. In addition, we consider what the pattern of sex-typical and sex-atypical mating psychology among homosexual men and women, respectively, suggests in regard to sex differences in the development of mating psychology and the development of homosexual persons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Alternative behavioral approaches to the treatment of homosexuality.

Radical changes in attitudes toward homosexuality in American society are integrated into a new perspective for the therapist confronted by a client who engages in homosexual behavior. The traditional mandatory attempt to eradicate homosexual behavior has been expanded into three options, any one of which may be pursued by the therapist at the client's request: (1) modification of homosexual in favor of heterosexual behavior, (2) enhancement of homosexual behavior, and (3) ignoring of homosexual behavior if it is functionally unrelated to the presenting symptoms. Therapists' negative attitudes toward clients who engage in homosexual behavior are such as to abrogate expanded options and may results in therapeutic efforts at modification of homosexual behavior in defiance of the client's expressed wishes. Contrary to current professional belief, careful analysis and the use of appropriate techniques such as systematic desensitization, orgasmic reconditioning, and training in heterosocial skills generally obviate the necessity for aversive procedures in those instances where homosexual behavior is to be modified in favor of heterosexual behavior. Three case histories are presented illustrating the use of each of the expanded options described above.

Attitude↗
PubMed1979

Ego development and sex attitudes in heterosexual and homosexual men and women.

A comparison was made of heterosexual and homosexual men and women utilizing Loevinger's concept of ego development and focusing on the relationships among ego levels and attitudes toward homosexuality and on personal sex guilt and other sociosexual variables. Previous comparative studies were critically analyzed with respect to the adequacy of definition and description of sampling procedures, and the appropriateness of research question. A pilot study reported here concerns the development of a measure of "attitudes toward homosexuality." The major study utilized 200 subjects who completed an anonymous and lengthy questionnaire. This sample was relatively young, well-educated, white, and Protestant. Self-ratings on the two Kinsey-type scales clearly differentiated the self-identified primarily heterosexual and homosexual groups. In this study there were no significant differences in ego levels between the heterosexual and the homosexual groups, suggesting that ego development and sexual orientation development are independent phenomena. Among both homosexual and heterosexual subjects there were low but significant correlations between higher levels of ego development and more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. More negative attitudes toward homosexuality were correlated with higher levels of personal sex guilt for heterosexual and homosexual men and for heterosexual women. Our measure of sex guilt proved to be related to ego level only for heterosexual males, although the measure of this construct requires additional research and refinement. Other correlates of these variables are also reported.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Concealment of homosexual identity, social support and CD4 cell count among HIV-seropositive gay men.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has indicated that the concealment of homosexuality is related to poorer health among gay men with HIV. This study explored mechanisms by which concealment of homosexuality may be related to HIV disease status by examining associations between concealment of homosexuality, social support, social constraints, depressive symptoms and CD4 count among HIV-seropositive gay men. METHOD: Questionnaires assessing concealment of homosexuality, social support, depressive symptoms and social constraints were administered to 73 HIV-seropositive gay men. Medical charts were accessed to gather HIV disease information including CD4 counts. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between psychosocial variables and CD4 counts. RESULTS: Concealment of homosexuality was associated with lower CD4 count, greater social constraints, greater depressive symptoms and less social support. The association between concealment of homosexuality and CD4 count varied according to level of social support. Among participants with higher levels of social support, those with greater concealment had lower CD4 counts than those with lower concealment. Concealment of homosexuality was not related to CD4 count among participants reporting low social support. CONCLUSION: Concealment of homosexuality among HIV-seropositive gay men is associated with lower CD4 counts, depressive symptoms and strained social relationships. In addition, the benefits of being open about homosexuality may be most evident under conditions of greater social support.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Clinical approach to viral hepatitis in homosexual men.

The prevalence of both hepatitis A and hepatitis B is increased in homosexual men. On an annual basis, 5% to 7% of homosexual men will acquire hepatitis A. Risk factors for HAV infection include length of homosexual activity, number of sexual contacts, and oral--anal sexual contact. The HBsAg carrier rate of homosexual men is 5% to 6%, and another 50% have evidence of previous HBV infection with a positive anti-HBs. HBeAg is present in a higher precentage of HBsAg-positive homosexual men (38% to 75%) than in general population carriers (3% to 30%). The annual incidence for HBV infection in homosexual men is 16% to 28%, higher than that for hepatitis A. Transmission of HBV infection in homosexual men is facilitated by a large number of sexual partners, high HBsAg carrier rate, high infectivity of carriers (positive HBeAg), and the specific sexual practices of oral--anal and anal--genital contact with exposure to HBV on open mucosal surfaces. The prevalence of non-A, non-B and delta infection in homosexual men is probably somewhat increased, but the importance of these viruses in the development of hepatitis in this population remains uncertain. Prevention of hepatitis A and B in homosexual men will ultimately be achieved by vaccination of susceptible individuals, which currently is feasible only for hepatitis B. Appropriate use of immune globulins for postexposure prophylaxis and knowledge of specific sexual practices that transmit disease may reduce the incidence of hepatitis A and B.

Hepatitis A↗
PubMed2004

Evidence for maternally inherited factors favouring male homosexuality and promoting female fecundity.

The Darwinian paradox of male homosexuality in humans is examined, i.e. if male homosexuality has a genetic component and homosexuals reproduce less than heterosexuals, then why is this trait maintained in the population? In a sample of 98 homosexual and 100 heterosexual men and their relatives (a total of over 4600 individuals), we found that female maternal relatives of homosexuals have higher fecundity than female maternal relatives of heterosexuals and that this difference is not found in female paternal relatives. The study confirms previous reports, in particular that homosexuals have more maternal than paternal male homosexual relatives, that homosexual males are more often later-born than first-born and that they have more older brothers than older sisters. We discuss the findings and their implications for current research on male homosexuality.

Birth Order↗
PubMed1983

Parental and interpersonal relationships of transsexual and masculine and feminine homosexual men.

A group of transsexual and homosexual men was examined using the Leary Test as a psycho-sociogram, and findings were compared to those from a group of heterosexual men. It was found that the fathers of homosexuals and transsexuals were more hostile and less dominant than the fathers of the control group and hence less desirable identification models. The average mothers of transsexuals were close to the ideal person in our culture, e.g., dominant, strong and kindly, and thus an imposing identification model. Heterosexual men and transsexuals, in their behavior towards their wives, on the average identified with the models set by their fathers. Effeminate homosexuals in relations towards their male partners on the average identified with their mothers. Non-effeminate homosexuals modeled their behavior somewhere between both parents. Heterosexual men tended to choose wives modelled on their mothers and modelled their behavior towards their wives on their fathers' behavior. Non-effeminate homosexuals tended to choose their male partners according to the model set by their mothers and behaved toward them in a more dominant manner than any of the other groups studied (effeminate homosexuals, non-effeminate homosexuals and transsexuals). Effeminate homosexuals on average chose the most dominant male partners and modelled their behavior toward them on that of their mothers. The wives of transsexuals were rated as the most hostile. The self-esteem of all the groups studied suffered from lack of dominance. On the average, non-effeminate homosexuals were found to be closest to the heterosexual norms, transsexuals the furthest.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

On the history of biological theories of homosexuality.

Biological theories of homosexuality fit into the discourse on reproduction and sexuality that began in the nineteenth century. They arose in the context of the early homosexual rights movement, with its claim for natural rights, and the psychiatric discussions about sexual perversions. With the classification of homosexuality as a distinct category, homosexuals were excluded from the "normal". Biological theories of homosexuality were attempts not only to explain its causes, but also to maintain the exclusion of homosexuals as the "other". Biological explanations can be categorized as genetic, constitutional, endocrinological, and ethological. On the one hand, biological theories were used in the struggle for homosexual rights. On the other hand, they were used to "cure"e homosexuals. Every theory led to a specific therapy. This paper points out the roots of this thinking, traces the development of various theories, and shows the utilization of biological theories in treating homosexuality.

Female↗
PubMed1999

Homosexual parents: testing "common sense"--a literature review emphasizing the Golombok and Tasker longitudinal study of lesbians' children.

Counter to claims by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Social Workers as well as numerous reviewers that children raised by homosexuals and married heterosexuals do not differ, the elaborate social-personality theory called "common sense" predicts that because "like produces like" and because psychopathy/sociopathy informs the major expressions of social deviance including homosexuality, children of homosexuals will (1) be more frequently subjected to parental instability (of residence and sexual partners) and (2) have poorer peer and adult relationships. Also, as is held to be true of their parents, homosexuals' children will be more apt to (3) become homosexual, (4) be unstable (have emotional problems and difficulty forming lasting bonds) with reduced interest in natality, and (5) be sexually precocious and promiscuous. Differences between homosexual and heterosexual comparison groups that bore on "common sense" were considered suggestive "bits" of empirical evidence. Differences that emerged within studies conducted by sympathetic researchers utilizing volunteer samples were considered bits of adverse evidence. Of 171 bits, 82 adverse and 55 nonadverse bits supported, while 34 bits fell against "common sense." From this tentative method of counting, support was found for common sense beliefs that children of homosexuals will be more apt to become homosexual and have poorer peer relationships, while weaker support was found for some of the other predictions. As assessed in this way, the empirical evidence in the literature tended to lean against claims of "no differences" between children raised by homosexuals and heterosexuals. In particular, the strongly worded official claims of there being "no differences" are overstatements. They amount to the organizations and some prominent researchers asserting that they have proven the null hypothesis, which is fundamentally impossible. It is likely that the nonsignificant statistical findings stressed thus far include Type Two errors created by use of volunteer samples, inadequate identification and measurement of likely differences, and refusal to interpret results in ways contrary to the sympathies of subjects, investigators, and the organizations.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Health based exclusion grounds in United States immigration policy: homosexuals, HIV infection and the medical examination of aliens.

The 1990 Immigration Act formally removed homosexuality from its longstanding position on the list of health-based exclusion grounds in United States immigration policy. Since the early 1900s when health-based exclusion grounds were introduced, a long history of excluding homosexuals has persisted. While the 1990 Congress clearly intended to remove the homosexual exclusion, public support for this controversial new policy is tenuous. As the HIV/AIDS pandemic spreads out of control, prejudice against homosexuals runs deeper than ever in American society. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a recent addition to the list of dangerous contagious diseases for which aliens may be excluded from the United States. Compelling social and economic grounds support its inclusion. The nexus between HIV and homosexuality, however, raises questions as to the immigration status of homosexuals and other persons seeking entry into the United States who, although not infected, are at a high risk of contracting HIV> Although the exclusion of HIV-infected aliens may be a reasonable means of combating the spread of HIV within the United States, it must not be used as a rationale to exclude individuals who may be at risk of contracting HIV. The medical examination of aliens must be tailored to meet the 1990 Immigration Act's objective of preventing the exclusion of homosexuals. Section I of this Note examines the factors influencing United States immigration policy as it relates to homosexuals. Section II provides background information on United States immigration policy, including the origins of the power to exclude aliens from entry into the United States and the allocation of this power within the federal government. Section II also focuses on the procedures by which aliens are excluded for health-related reasons. Section III explores both the historic exclusion of homosexuals from entry into the United States and the repudiation of this discriminatory policy in the 1990 Immigration Act. After the rational bases for this policy are discussed, this Note concludes that the policy is rational in light of the overburdened United States public health system. Section IV criticizes, as unreasonably subjective, recent revisions to the medical examination procedure that grant examining physicians broad discretion to designate an alien excludable upon a finding of a "physical abnormality."

Civil Rights↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[May Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) be relevant for homosexual women? Study among 147 gynaeco-logists involved in MAP techniques].

The second part of the twentieth century has seen societal modifications as well as evolution of medical techniques allowing now thinking human procreation in terms of choices or even rights. Certain voices require sometimes Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) for lesbians. Even though society did not allow such a possibility in France, it seemed interesting to question about it professionals actively involved in the use of MAP techniques. Through systematic internet queries, we obtained a list of one hundred private or public french medical institutions with a unit for the treatment of sterility. A telephone call to their secretary allowed us to individualize those doctors who did practice MAP. A sample of 147 medical doctors practicing MAP was then drawn. They were questioned with a clinical instrument including 20 ended-questions in order to assess their opinions on: homosexual women with a desire of a child; possibility for these clinicians to intervene with a donor insemination in such situations; developmental risk for such children. One hundred twenty five (85%) accepted to answer. Nine percent of these gynaecologists still consider homosexuality as pathological, and 10% as deviant - contrary to international classifications of mental disorders - and 5% deny good maternal abilities to homosexual women. Before the so-called french laws of bioethics in 1994, none of them had practiced a donor insemination for a lesbian couple, though 4% had realized some for single homosexual women. Two third of them do not agree opening donor insemination to homosexual women though for half of them, the anonymity of a donor is not perceived as prejudicial to the child. Eighty-seven percent of these gynaecologists think that a child brought up by homosexual parents is at risk for developmental disorder, the configuration supposed the most pathogenic being when the birth results from a donor insemination. The supposedly most important risk factors are thought to be the marginality of an homosexual family and the lack of a paternal figure at home. However, for 68% of the clinicians, this role can be taken by another male figure. These reasons make the gynaecologists reluctant to participate actively in the constitution of such a kind of family by the practice of a donor insemination. Even though demands of lesbian couples were not listed as an indication of donor insemination in the laws of bioethics, this does not seem to lessen the number of these demands in this population, and moreover if the law would allow this indication, half of these doctors would agree to practice it. The expression of the desire of a child by homosexual women and their request for its realization through medical techniques places the clinicians at the center of an ethical reflexion fed more by personal affects rather than scientific studies - however available - on the development of children brought up by an homosexual couple. Indeed, these studies indicate that these children suffer more from a societal view than parental sexual orientation, and it seems therefore appropriate to shed light on it in order to alleviate the weight of a stigmatization without any clinical argument founding it until now.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A comparison of cerebral SPECT abnormalities in HIV-positive homosexual men with and without cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether technetium Tc 99m exametazime (HMPAO) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can distinguish between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive homosexual men with normal neuropsychologic test results and HIV-positive homosexual men with abnormal neuropsychologic test results. DESIGN: Neurologic, neuropsychologic, magnetic resonance imaging, and Tc 99m HMPAO SPECT examinations were performed on 10 HIV-positive homosexual men without cognitive impairment and five HIV-positive homosexual men with cognitive impairment. PATIENTS: Human immunodeficiency virus-positive homosexual men from New York City were recruited for the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Findings on SPECT scans were evaluated qualitatively for focal defects, heterogeneity of the cortical margin, white matter hypoperfusion, and decreased global cortical uptake. All SPECT focal defects were coregistered with magnetic resonance images; SPECT heterogeneity and global cortical uptake were also measured quantitatively. RESULTS: Coregistration with magnetic resonance imaging revealed that 63% of the focal SPECT defects corresponded to brain gyri and 37% corresponded to sulci. There was no significant difference in the frequency of qualitative or quantitative SPECT abnormalities between HIV-positive homosexual men ith and without cognitive impairment. However, after examining individual neuropsychologic test factors, impaired motor speed performance was associated with decreased quantitative global cerebral uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative SPECT abnormalities are not increased in frequency in HIV-positive homosexual men with global cognitive impairment compared with those in HIV-positive homosexual men without cognitive impairment. Impaired motor speed performance may be associated with decreased quantitative global cerebral uptake.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Immunologic findings in homosexual males with generalized lymphadenopathy. Prodromal state of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?].

Peripheral blood of 6 homosexual men with lymphadenopathy associated with fever, weight loss and night sweat, 13 homosexuals with lymphadenopathy without further clinical symptoms, 13 healthy homosexuals and 20 healthy hetero-sexual blood donors was evaluated for different lymphocyte subpopulation, mitogen induced T-cell proliferation and Gamma-interferon production. In the six patients with lymphadenopathy lymphocyte subpopulations were also analysed in lymph node-biopsies. delayed type hypersensitivity was established by skin test's using different recall antigens. Sera of all homosexual men were screened for immunoglobulin levels, complement activity, presence of immunocomplexes and autoantibodies. Most of the homosexuals with lymphadenopathy but without clinical symptoms and all patients with lymphadenopathy associated with clinical symptoms had a significantly decreased helper-(OKT 4) suppressor- (OKT 8) cell ratio. In contrast, the OKT 4/OKT 8 ratio was found to be normal in lymphocyte suspension from lymph node-biopsy from the 6 patients with lymphadenopathy and clinical symptoms. Within the group of healthy homosexuals this ratio exhibited a rather large variation, in three of the tested persons the ratio was below 1. No functional abnormalities of T-cell immunity were observed in the homosexual men as compared to the control group, with the exception of a significantly increased LAG- and PWM-induced lymphocyte proliferation in the group of healthy homosexual men. Likewise no significant differences were obtained with regard to the further analysed immunological parameters. It is concluded that the obtained immunological results do not provide the possibility to define persons at immediate risk for the development of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Impaired production of alpha and gamma interferon in asymptomatic homosexual males.

In vitro production of alpha interferon and gamma interferon was examined in cell cultures from 90 asymptomatic homosexual males and 19 healthy heterosexual male controls. The production of alpha and gamma interferon was significantly suppressed in homosexuals as compared to that in heterosexual controls (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.001, respectively). Forty-one of the homosexuals produced less gamma interferon than any of the heterosexual controls. Antibodies against the human immune system virus (HIV) were found in eight homosexuals, who produced significantly less alpha and gamma interferon than did the HIV-seronegative homosexuals (p less than 0.02). Neither carriage of Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia nor serological evidence of infection with cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus or hepatitis B virus was associated with a significantly lower production of interferon than that found in homosexual males seronegative for these infections. No correlation was found between number of partners or practice of passive anal intercourse and production of interferons in homosexual men. It is concluded that the significantly lower production of both alpha and gamma interferon in asymptomatic homosexual males may play an important role in susceptibility to viruses, including HIV.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Suicidal acts and ideation in homosexual and bisexual young people: a study of prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Suicide attempts are the most robust clinical predictor of suicide, which is now the second cause of death among young people in many countries. Previous research has shown an increased risk of attempted suicide associated with a homosexual orientation. However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not yet clear. This study therefore aimed to determine the risk of attempted suicide and the effect of potential risk factors on the occurrence of suicidal ideation and behaviour among homosexual youngsters. METHODS: The association between suicidal ideation and behaviour and potential risk factors was assessed by means of a questionnaire in a general population sample of homosexual or bisexual young people and a control sample consisting of school pupils. RESULTS: A twofold increased risk of suicidal ideation was found associated with a homosexual or bisexual orientation. A significantly increased risk of attempted suicide associated with homosexuality or bisexuality was found in females. Independent of sexual orientation, depression was identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation, while suicidal behaviour was associated with low self-esteem, higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal behaviour in someone close. Among homosexual or bisexual young people, less satisfying homosexual friendships were an additional risk factor for suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The identified increased risk of suicidal ideation among homosexual or bisexual young people is associated with depression and may lead to suicidal behaviour, independent of sexual orientation, especially in the presence of a role model of suicidal behaviour, and among those with unsatisfying friendships.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Is male homosexuality still a cultural taboo for kidney donation?

BACKGROUND: Among the so-called social risk behaviors, male homosexuality is probably one of the most interesting and difficult taboos. Because of changing attitudes of the general population toward irregular sexual behaviors, often considered as markers of unhealthy life styles, there is a need to reconsider at least the most important one-homosexuality. METHODS: A semistructured questionnaire included opinions on homosexuality with respect to kidney donation: Would you consider a male homosexual as a kidney donor? If you were on dialysis, would you accept a kidney from a homosexual donor? This instrument was administered to various groups of the general public and caregivers: high school students (Liceo Classico: 59 students, median age 18 years; Istituto Tecnico: n=108, median age 17); first and fourth year of medical school (n=77, age 19; 46, age 22); continuing medical education (n=44, age 32); third year of nursing school (n=31, age 23); "senior citizen university" (n=51, age 63). RESULTS: Male homosexuality was well accepted for kidney donation (71.6% yes, 9.6% no, 18.8% uncertain/blank). However, the opinions were different among the groups with male students of a technical institute showing discrimination against male homosexuals. In the univariate analysis, opinions differed according to age, gender, and belonging to the health care team. In the multivariate analysis, the latter was the strongest predictor (P<.01). The specific threats for the health are not well known, even among the caregiver population. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to define the role of homosexuality among the so-called social risk behaviors. Negative attitudes existed in some subsets of the population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Interaction of fraternal birth order and handedness in the development of male homosexuality.

The present study investigated evidence for an interaction between two of the best established etiologic factors, or markers of etiologic factors, in the literature on male homosexuality: fraternal birth order and hand preference. By combining five samples, the authors produced study groups of 1774 right-handed heterosexuals, 287 non-right-handed heterosexuals, 928 right-handed homosexuals, and 157 non-right-handed homosexuals. The results showed a significant (P = 0.004) handedness by older brothers interaction, such that (a) the typical positive correlation between homosexuality and greater numbers of older brothers holds only for right-handed males, (b) among men with no older brothers, homosexuals are more likely to be non-right-handed than heterosexuals; among men with one or more older brothers, homosexuals are less likely to be non-right-handed than heterosexuals, and (c) the odds of homosexuality are higher for men who have a non-right hand preference or who have older brothers, relative to men with neither of these features, but the odds for men with both features are similar to the odds for men with neither. These findings have at least two possible explanations: (a) the etiologic factors associated with non-right-handedness and older brothers-hypothesized to be hyperandrogenization and anti-male antibodies, respectively-counteract each other, yielding the functional equivalent of typical masculinization, and (b) the number of non-right-handed homosexuals with older brothers is smaller than expected because the combination of the older brothers factor with the non-right-handedness factor is toxic enough to lower the probability that the affected fetus will survive.

Birth Order↗
PubMed1986

Immunologic studies in homosexual and hemophiliac subjects with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy: a comparative analysis.

Hemophiliac patients receiving factor VIII replacement therapy and homosexual subjects are at risk for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Immunologic abnormalities, especially depletion of helper T cell populations, have been noted in members of these groups and may parallel their clinical state. We have evaluated the peripheral blood immunologic status of a group of hemophiliac and homosexual subjects with and without persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL). Although individuals with PGL had more abnormal T-lymphocyte parameters, including lower helper/suppressor ratios, than group members without lymphadenopathy, there were no significant differences noted within each respective risk group. However, differences between hemophiliac and homosexual patient groups were noted. T-lymphocyte subpopulations of hemophiliac patients with lymphadenopathy were significantly more abnormal than the corresponding homosexual groups. All groups had decreased lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogen. Homosexual subjects with lymphadenopathy exhibited the most profoundly depressed lymphocyte mitogenic responses. We conclude that, although abnormalities of T-lymphocyte subpopulation and lymphocyte mitogenic responses exist within each risk group, homosexual subjects (both asymptomatic and with PGL) had lower mitogenic responses than would be expected for their T-lymphocyte helper/suppressor ratios as compared to either control subjects or hemophiliac patients. These findings suggest that additional factors are operative in the mononuclear cell populations of homosexual subjects that depress lymphocyte function. An analysis of these factors may help explain the higher incidence of AIDS in homosexual subjects as compared to hemophiliac patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗