How do Poppers affect the immune system?
Poppers (aka amyl nitrate, as well as butyl, isobutyl, and isopentyl analogues) are metabolized into nitric oxide (NO), which is an endogenous molecule. NO is a key signalling molecule in the regulatory functions of the immune system, as well as other cellular systems such as nerves. This discovery was not made until the mid-nineties, are resulted in the award of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. Excess NO from poppers is stored in the cells and later released into the bloodstream during physical exertion. Excess NO in the bloodstream causes, among other things, degenerative changes in the endothelial tissues leading to Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). Rampant KS as seen in gay men, once thought to be caused by viruses such as HIV or HHV6, has been quite strongly correlated with the abuse of nitrite poppers (though it is still possible to suffer from KS without using poppers) For more information on the link between AIDS and poppers, please visit the poppers section of our library.
