Abstract

Introduction

References

Discussion
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Depression is a common, disturbing concomitant of physical disease. Several lines of evidence suggest that during various medical conditions the release of cytokines, particularly within the brain, contribute to the symptomatology and etiology of depression: 1) Many infectious and non-infectious diseases in humans, e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases involve chronic secretion of cytokines in the brain, as well as high prevalence of depression. 2) Exogenous administration of cytokines in humans induces depressed mood, as well as other depressive symptoms. 3) Similar changes in neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter systems occur following cytokine administration and in depressed patients. 4) Work in my as well as in other laboratories demonstrated that in experimental animals immune activation produces many behavioral and neuroendocrine effects, which resemble depressive symptoms. For example, following administration of endotoxin rats exhibit anhedonia, anorexia, fatigue, motor retardation, and reduced interest in usual activities such as social, exploratory and sexual behaviors. Moreover, we have demonstrated that some of the behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of endotoxin can be attenuated by chronic treatment with antidepressants, such as imipramine and fluoxetine. Together, these findings indicate that cytokines mediate, at least partially, the depression that is often associated with physical illness.

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Presentation Number SAyirmiya0194
Keywords: Cytokines, Depression, Sickness Behavior, Interleukin-1, Antidepressants