Immune System Alterations and Postpartum Mental Illness: Evidence From Basic and Clinical Research
Courtney Dye1, Kathryn M Lenz2,3,4, Benedetta Leuner2,3
1Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
Frontiers in Global Women'S Health
|February 28, 2022
Summary
Postpartum mental illnesses like depression and anxiety may be linked to immune system changes. Research suggests both peripheral and central inflammation contribute, necessitating further study for new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The postpartum period presents elevated risks for maternal mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Emerging research indicates that immune system dysregulation plays a significant role in the development of these postpartum conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence linking immune system function to postpartum mental illnesses.
- To explore findings from both clinical studies and animal models regarding the immune component of postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data focusing on peripheral cytokine signaling.
- Analysis of animal model research investigating central inflammation in the maternal brain.
Main Results:
- Clinical data suggests peripheral immune changes, such as altered cytokine signaling, are implicated in postpartum mental illness.
- Animal models provide evidence for central inflammation within the maternal brain contributing to these disorders.
Conclusions:
- An immune component is evident in postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Further research into peripheral and central immune function, alongside neural and endocrine factors, is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
09:09Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using PolyI:C to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
Published on: August 17, 2022
1.9K
07:13Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
Published on: March 25, 2016
18.8K
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
482
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
482
01:30Stress and Mental Health
233
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
233
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
92
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
92
01:18Depression: Overview
405
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
405
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
1.1K
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
1.1K
01:30Bipolar Disorder
158
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
158