Effects of repeated fluoxetine and citalopram administration on cytokine release in C57BL/6 mice

This study examines the effects of repeated administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fluoxetine and citalopram (10 mg/kg, i.p.), on immunoreactivity in C57BL/6 mice. Immune functions were evaluated by the ability of splenocytes to reduce a tetrazolium salt to formazan (MTT test), to proliferate, and to produce cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and interferon gamma (IFN gamma). Citalopram administered for 1, 2 and 4 weeks stimulates the proliferative activity of splenocytes and suppresses their ability to secrete the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Fluoxetine administration for 1 and 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks, stimulates the proliferative activity of splenocytes, whereas a 4-week administration of fluoxetine suppresses the secretion of IL-4. Four weeks of prolonged administration of citalopram and fluoxetine induces a significant increase in the production of IL-6 and IL-10, a cytokine with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities. The results show that, in C57BL/6 mice, the immunomodulatory effects of SSRIs depend on the SSRI used and the duration of administration.