Abstract

NAVAS, Carmen  and  ZAPATA, Deliana. Aspectos inmunológicos en la depresión. Rev. venez. oncol. [online]. 2009, vol.21, n.4, pp.244-252. ISSN 0798-0582.

There is evidence that immune system modulates neurotransmitters at central level as well as the endocrine response, interrelation that would explain the depression symptoms. A series of investigations that related the depression and immune function was analyzed, predominating heterogeneous findings. A pattern of cytokines has been described as similar as the one of cancer, suggesting a depressive carcinogenic cytokines profile. On the other hand, a hyperfuntion of the hypothalamus, hypofisis adrenal axis, with alteration of the negative feedback exists in these patients. Despite of these advances, controversy about the causal relationship between the pro inflammatory state and the behavior alterations of depression exists, being needed to clarify if the immunological changes are directly responsible for the neurotransmitters alteration at central level. It was reported how diverse antidepressants modify the hyperactivity of axis and modify the humoral and cellular immunity, opening the possibility of modulating the immune response through these drugs.

Keywords : Depression; antidepressants; immune function; cytokines; cortisol; hypothalamus; hypofisis; adrenal axis.