A method of preventing HIV-1 associated dendritic pathology in a brain cell, comprising contacting the cell with a therapeutically effective dose of a mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel agonist. A method of preventing HIV-1 associated dendritic pathology in a brain cell, comprising contacting the cell with a therapeutically effective dose of an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase. A method of preventing HIV-1 associated dendritic pathology in a brain cell, comprising contacting the cell with a therapeutically effective dose of a stimulator of production of reactive oxygen species. A model for the study of HIV-1 associated dendritic pathology, comprising a) contacting a hippocampal slice with platelet-activating factor; and b) stimulating the hippocampal slice of a) with high frequency stimulation.