Serum cytokine and soluble interleukin-2 receptors in patients with panic disorder

There has been very little research investigating the interface between panic disorder and the immune system. This preliminary study explores the relationship between panic disorder and serum levels of cytokines, which have potent immune and central nervous system activity, and soluble interleukin-2 receptors, a well-known marker of T-cell activation. Fifteen women with panic disorder and 19 healthy female subjects had serum levels of interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and soluble interleukin-2 receptors (SIL-2Rs) measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Women with panic disorder had slightly increased serum levels of interleukin-2 but did not differ from age-comparable and gender-matched controls in serum interleukin-1 alpha, or interleukin-1 beta. And although the mean SIL-2R levels were not different for the two groups, the SIL-2R levels were present across a wider range of values in the women with panic disorder. Our data suggest that more extensive investigation of circulating levels of interleukin-2 and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with panic disorder may be warranted.