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Cytokines and depression: fortuitous or causative association?
R Dantzer1, E Wollman, L Vitkovic
1INRA-INSERM U394, Bordeaux, France. robert.dantzer@bordeaux.inserm.fr
Molecular Psychiatry
|September 14, 1999
Summary
Cytokines may play a role in depression and antidepressant treatment. Further research is needed to understand neuroendocrine-immune interactions in depressive disorders and their link to psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests a link between cytokines and depression.
- Cytokines are implicated in the therapeutic effects of antidepressants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically review evidence for cytokine involvement in depression.
- Identify research needs for understanding neuroendocrine-immune interactions in depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research.
- Discussion and consensus building from a scientific meeting.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the role of cytokines in depression.
- Current understanding of neuroendocrine-immune dysregulations in depression is incomplete.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are likely involved in depression and antidepressant action.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise mechanisms of neuroendocrine-immune interactions in psychopathology.