Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptors (sIL-2R) were measured in 105 HIV-seropositive individuals simultaneously with T cell subsets and activated T cells (CD3+ and HLA-DR+). Significantly elevated levels of serum sIL-2R were found (564 +/- 259 U/ml versus 258 +/- 87 U/ml in 70 controls, p less than 0.001), as well as increased numbers of activated T cells (mean numbers, 579/microliters in the patients versus 113/microliters in 26 controls, p less than 0.0001). Correlation analysis did not disclose any significant association between elevated sIL-2R and increased activated T cells, nor with decreased CD4+ lymphocytes. These data suggest that sIL-2R in HIV infection do not emanate from activated T cells and are not linked to CD4+ cell loss.

Elevation of transaminases in cholestasis of pregnancy is inconstant moderate and fluctuating. Levels over 300 IU/1 (10 times normal) should prompt the search for an associated or intercurrent hepatic infection. This search is however frequently negative and the existence of pregnancy cholestasis with marked elevation of transaminases should be considered. 2 cases observed in less than 1 year demonstrate that this occurrence is not rare. 2 primigests of 29 and 31 years had the same histories: cholecystectomy for gallstones at 25 and 27 years jaundice under the same oral contraceptive with cytolysis and the alanine aminotransferase exceeding 700 IU/1. Cholestasis of pregnancy was discovered respectively in the 16th and 26th weeks of pregnancy. The maximal elevation of the alanine aminotransferase was observed at the onset of symptoms with values of 837 and 1036 IU/1 or over 20 and 23 times the normal level associated with an elevation of alcaline phosphatases and of 5 nucleotidase. Abdominal sonography was normal serologies for various viruses were negative there were no autoantibodies and no medication had been taken in the preceding weeks. Initial values of the alanine aminotransferase declined progressively while alcaline phosphatase and 5 nucleotidase levels remained unchanged. Delivery was induced at the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy because of fetal hypotrophy. All levels returned to normal in less than 1 month. A puncture biopsy in 1 case 8 days after delivery showed only a slight centrolobular pigmentary excess. The 2 cases have all the criteria of pregnancy cholestasis despite the marked elevation of aminotransferases. The negative etiological search and immediate normalization of values without sequelae suggest that there was no intercurrent hepatic disorder. Although it is difficult to evaluate the exact frequency of pregnancy cholestasis with marked elevation of transaminases numerous observations in the literature suggest a certain frequency. The 2 cases described indicate the need for further study to evaluate the exact frequency and significance of the condition.