Correlations between event-related potentials and NK cells, B and T lymphocytes

The links between psychiatry and immune dysfunctions are well known. By contrast, there are few studies that evaluate the link between neuroelectrophysiology and immune system disturbances.

We retrospectively included 31 patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2012. They completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and were assessed using DSM IV TR on Axis 1. Event-related potentials were performed. Lymphocyte subtypes were quantified using flow cytometry.

In terms of P300 latency, there are correlations with the absolute value of leukocytes: for P3a component, we find a correlation in frontal derivation Fz (r=0.405*), in central derivation Cz (r=0.438*), in parietal derivation Pz (r=0.403*) and for P3b component, there is a correlation in Fz (r=0.414*), in Cz (r=0.402*) and in Pz (r=0.425*). In terms of P300 amplitude, for P3b component, there are correlations with CD3 lymphocytes percentage in all derivations (Fz (r=-0.621**); Cz (r=-0.567**); Pz (r=-0.499**)) and with CD19 lymphocytes percentage in all derivations (Fz (r=0.469*); Cz (r=0.466*); Pz (r=0.430*)). For P3a, it is correlated with CD3 percentage (in Fz (r=-0.539**); Cz (r=-0.406*)) and with CD19 percentage (Fz (r=0.364*); Pz (r=0.357*)). With respect to the relationship between mismatch negativity (MMN) amplitude and natural killer (NK) cells percentage, there are correlations in left temporal derivation T3 (r=-0.426*), in Cz (r=-0.401*) and in right temporal derivation T4 (r=-0.427*). A correlation is found between the contingent negative variation (CNV) amplitude and the lymphocytes percentage in Fz (r=-0.471**).

There is a link between lymphocyte-related immunity and electrophysiological disturbances in psychiatric patients. Further studies would be needed to evaluate this relationship more specifically, particularly prospectively and by pathology.