Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Raised levels of plasma interleukin-1β in major and postviral depression

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Bruce Owen, Emeritus Professor Nicol Ferrier, Professor Allan Young

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Objective: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is released as part of the acute phase immune response and can directly stimulate the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone and thus induce hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity. Major depression has been shown to be accompanied by both an acute phase immune response, including raised IL-1β production and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyper-activity. In this study the possible role of IL-1β in major depression and postviral depression was investigated. Method: Plasma IL-1β levels were measured in four groups; patients suffering from postviral depression (n= 17), patients with major depression (n=20), subjects who were postviral and euthymic (n= 12) and normal controls (n = 20). Results: IL-1β serum concentrations were significantly elevated in both groups of depressed patients compared to controls. The serum concentrations of IL-1β were higher in the postviral group than in the major depression group; this difference was not significant. Conclusion: These data confirm previous suggestions of elevated IL-1β levels in major depression and postviral depression. IL-1β is known to induce depressive symptoms as well as sickness behaviour and may contribute to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity found in mood disorders.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Young H; Ferrier IN; Owen BM; Eccleston D

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Year: 2001

Volume: 103

Issue: 3

Pages: 226-228

ISSN (print): 0001-690X

ISSN (electronic): 1600-0447

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00162.x

DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00162.x

PubMed id: 11240580


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share