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The effect of antidepressants on immune function in mice
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.
Biological Psychiatry
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Antidepressant maprotiline impaired natural killer (NK) cell function in mice, affecting immune response to cancer and infections. Other immune functions remained largely unaffected by this drug.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Antidepressant medications may influence immune system function.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for patients with cancer or infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maprotiline and desipramine on immune activity in an animal model.
- To assess the effects on host resistance to cancer and infections.
Main Methods:
- Mice were chronically treated with maprotiline and desipramine.
- Natural killer (NK) cell function was measured in vivo (tumor cell clearance) and in vitro (cytolytic activity).
- Cell-mediated immunity was assessed via delayed hypersensitivity and T and B lymphocyte proliferation.
Main Results:
- Chronic maprotiline treatment significantly reduced NK cell function.
- Cell-mediated immunity (delayed hypersensitivity, lymphocyte proliferation) was largely unaffected.
- High concentrations of antidepressants showed toxicity but were unlikely to explain in vivo effects.
Conclusions:
- Maprotiline may negatively impact immune surveillance through NK cell depression.
- Further research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of antidepressant use on immune function in vulnerable populations.
