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Immune cells and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in major depression
D F Darko1, J C Gillin, S C Risch
1Mental Health Clinic, San Diego Veterans Administration Medical Center, CA 92161.
Psychiatry Research
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Major depression patients showed an altered T4/T8 T-cell ratio compared to controls. While no overall differences in immune cells or hormones were found, patient hormone levels correlated with specific immune cells, suggesting a complex relationship.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis plays a crucial role in stress response and immune function.
- Major depression is associated with dysregulation of the HP axis and immune system alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immune cell profiles and HP axis hormone levels in patients with major depression.
- To explore potential correlations between immune cell status and hormonal changes in major depression.
Main Methods:
- Examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for T-cells (T3, T4, T8), B-cells (B1), and natural killer cells (NKH1) in 20 patients and 20 controls.
- Measured plasma levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL).
Main Results:
- The T4/T8 T-cell ratio was significantly increased in major depression patients.
- No significant differences were observed between patients and controls for T3, B1, T4, T8, NKH1, cortisol, ACTH, GH, or PRL.
- In patients, growth hormone (GH) positively correlated with T8 and NKH1 cells, and prolactin (PRL) correlated with NKH1 cells.
Conclusions:
- Major depression is associated with an altered T4/T8 ratio, indicating a specific immune cell imbalance.
- Despite no overall group differences in hormones or most immune cells, intra-patient correlations suggest a link between neuroendocrine function and specific immune responses in depression.