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Elevation of CD5+ B lymphocytes in schizophrenia
D J Printz1, D H Strauss, R Goetz
1Department of Clinical Psychobiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|July 8, 1999
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia show higher levels of CD5+ B cells, a finding linked to autoimmune processes. This study confirms previous research, suggesting immune system involvement in some schizophrenia cases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with various immunologic alterations.
- Autoimmune mechanisms are hypothesized to play a role in some schizophrenia cases.
- Previous studies on CD5+ B lymphocytes in schizophrenia yielded conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CD5+ B lymphocyte levels in schizophrenia patients.
- To compare CD5+ B cell counts between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.
- To explore potential autoimmune links in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescent flow cytometry was utilized.
- Measurements included CD5+ B cells, total B and T cells, and CD4/CD8 subsets.
- Schizophrenia patients and normal control subjects were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited significantly higher percentages of CD5+ B cells (27.6%) compared to controls (6.7%).
- Antipsychotic withdrawal did not alter CD5+ B-cell levels, indicating medication was not a confounding factor.
- No significant differences were found in other lymphocyte subsets between the groups.
Conclusions:
- A subset of schizophrenia patients demonstrates elevated CD5+ B cell levels.
- This finding supports previous research and suggests potential autoimmune manifestations in schizophrenia.
- The results contribute to understanding the immunobiology of schizophrenia.