Activation of CNS Inflammatory Pathways by Interferon-alpha: Relationship to Monoamines and Depression (original) (raw)

Background—Interferon (IFN)-alpha has been used to study the effects of innate immune cytokines on the brain and behavior in humans. The degree to which peripheral administration of IFN-alpha accesses the brain and is associated with a central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory response is unknown. Moreover, the relationship among IFN-alpha-associated CNS inflammatory responses, neurotransmitter metabolism and behavior has yet to be established. Methods—Twenty-four patients with hepatitis C underwent lumbar puncture and blood sampling after ~12 weeks of either no treatment (n=12) or treatment with pegylated IFN-alpha 2b (n=12). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were analyzed for proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors as well as the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and IFN-alpha. CSF samples were additionally analyzed for monoamine metabolites and corticotropin releasing hormone. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery Asberg Depress...