Effects of interferon-alpha on hippocampal neurogenesis and behavior in common marmosets

In many mammalian species, the production of new neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus continues throughout life. Previous studies using rodents suggest that adult-born neurons are involved in memory and cognition tasks and mood regulation. Interferon-alpha (IFNα), a proinflammatory cytokine used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis and malignancies, frequently causes depressive symptoms in patients and animals, including non-human primates. We have previously demonstrated that chronic IFNα treatment decreases hippocampal neurogenesis in mice. Here, we investigated the effects of four-week human pegylated IFNα treatment on hippocampal neurogenesis and behavior in common marmosets. Continuous monitoring of voluntary activity levels using an actigraphy device suggested that adaptive ability is impaired in IFNα-treated animals. Analyses of BrdU-labeled cells expressing a marker for immature or mature neurons revealed a significant reduction in the number of new neurons in the hippocampus of IFNα-treated animals. These data indicate that chronic human IFNα treatment causes behavioral changes and a decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis in common marmosets.