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Interferons, serotonin and neurotoxicity.

D B Menkes1, J A MacDonald

  • 1Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand.

Psychological Medicine
|May 29, 2000
PubMed
Summary
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Interferon therapy, especially with alpha subtypes, is linked to depression. This may be due to interferons suppressing serotonin synthesis, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment of mood disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interferons are cytokines crucial for immune function, with clinical applications in viral diseases and cancer.
  • Interferon therapy can cause significant toxicities, particularly affecting the nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence of depression associated with interferon treatment.
  • To explore potential neurochemical mechanisms and treatment strategies for interferon-induced depression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on depression incidence during interferon therapy.
  • Consideration of neurochemical pathways and potential interventions.

Main Results:

  • A clear association exists between interferon treatment (especially alpha subtypes) and depression.

Related Experiment Videos

  • The precise strength of this link is uncertain due to ascertainment issues and pre-existing conditions.
  • A potential mechanism involves interferon-induced suppression of serotonin synthesis.

    • Conclusions:

    • Neurotoxicity, including depression, limits interferon use.
    • Anti-serotonergic effects may contribute to interferon-induced depression, aligning with serotonin's role in affective disorders.
    • Proactive detection and management of depression are vital for optimizing interferon therapy.