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[Study on natural killer cell subset and activity in patients with depression]
Lan Chu1, Shufen Tian, Hongqun Chen
1Neurologic Department of Guiyang Medical College Hospital. Guiyang 550004 China.
Objective:
The study was to investigate natural killer cells subset and activity in patients with depression.
Methods:
46 outpatients with unipolar depression and 46 normal controls were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were drawn for natural killer cells subset and activity. And the results in patients with depression before and after therapy were compared with each other. Flow cytometer was used for natural killer cells subset and enzyme-released assay was used for their activity.
Results:
Natural killer cells subset and activities (effect-target cell ratio: 20:1,10:1)in patients with depression were significantly lower than normal controls (P < 0.01). Natural killer cell activities were increased significantly after therapy (P < 0.01)but subset was not (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The study suggested that unipolar depression may impact natural killer cells count and function.