Cytokine serum levels, autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction and surface marker analysis in never medicated and chronically medicated schizophrenic patients

Schizophr Res. 2001 Jan 15;47(1):13-25. doi: 10.1016/s0920-9964(00)00007-4.

Abstract

A number of immunological parameters were studied in 82 DSM-III-R diagnosed schizophrenic patients (53 first drug-naive and 29 medicated chronic patients) as well as 62 healthy blood donors. The serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured and correlated with cellular immunity, as assessed by the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR). T lymphocyte subsets were also examined. The above immune parameters were reassessed in a subgroup of 11 first-episode, drug-naive patients 1month after neuroleptic medication. IL-2 serum levels were significantly lower, and IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients compared with healthy donors (P<0.001); no significant difference was observed between the two patient groups (medicated and not medicated). Abnormal cytokine serum levels were associated with decreased AMLR responses in vitro. Increased percentages of activated CD4+ and CD16+ natural killer cells, as well as cells expressing ICAM-1 adhesion molecules and IL-2 specific receptors, were detected in the patients. Immunophenotype studies revealed a higher percentage of cells expressing IL-2 receptors in medicated chronic schizophrenic patients compared with drug-naive patients. The abnormal cytokine production in vivo, along with the low AMLR responses in vitro, and the high percentage of activated CD4+ lymphocytes presented in this study suggest alterations in the immune system of schizophrenic patients (medicated or not medicated) consistent with immune activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytokines / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reference Values
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cytokines