IMMUNOLOGY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Abstract

Cells of the immw1e system and those of nervous system interact and modulate the functional properties of one another. Such interactions, resultant from direct cell-cell interaction (microglia, astroglia and immw1e cells) or mediated by soluble • factors (cytokines and noncytokines) comprise a neuroimmune network within the CNS. A neuroimmw1e network also exists outside the CNS, with neural signals mediated VIa neuroendocrine or autonomic nervous system pathway . . The brain has a regulatory function on the immune system • in a nwnber of ways ; the brain exerts trophic effect on the immw1e system, even in adults, brain lesions affect immunity. There are some cytokines and neurotransmitters that are shared between the brain and the immw1e system . Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by dysphoric mood, and includes endogenous and non-endogenous depression. Leucopenia, neutrophilia and lymphopenia were reported most often among depressives. Traditionally, depression is• associated by parameters indicating reduced irnmune function and they include; impaired lymphocyte response to stimulation by mitogens especially in old severely depressed patients, and lower NK cell aCtivity which may be attributed to reduction in circulating NK cells or .