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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Immunological aspects of bipolar disorder
R W Kupka1, M H Hillegers1, W A Nolen1
11Altrecht Institute for Mental Health Care,Utrecht,The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Significant changes in immune function have been found in mood disorders. Controlled studies in bipolar disorder concerning cell-mediated immunity and thyroid autoimmunity are reviewed, and presented together with preliminary findings from our own ongoing study.
Method:
Using Medline and other sources, 14 controlled studies as well as some other relevant studies were found.
Results:
Bipolar disorder is associated with an acute phase response and activation of the cell-mediated immune system, and with an increased prevalence of antithyroid autoantibodies.
Conclusion:
Changes in immune function, in connection with neuroendocrine changes, may provide new hypotheses for the pathophysiology of mood disorders.
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