Neuroimmunological parameters in panic disorder

Abstract

PD patients show increased B-cell numbers. The finding that B-cell activity is not increased can possibly be attributed to functional exhaustion of these cells. The meaning of this finding remains unclear, although it may be potentially important in affective disorders as the same has been found in depression.

Decreased IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in panic disorder

“…It has been observed that the results of studies which investigated the immune function of panic disorder patients by measuring the cytokines are largely contradictory. Several studies have found no significant differences in cytokine levels between panic disorder patients and healthy subjects [10][11][12][13], as consistent with our results, except those related with the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ. Park et al [24] found that panic disorder patients exhibited no differences with respect to the numbers of immune cells, except for a reduced proportion of T suppressor cells and an increased T helper cell/T suppressor cell ratio, as compared with normal healthy subjects.…”

“…A number of studies found no significant elevations of cytokines in patients with panic disorder [10][11][12][13], with the exception that IL-1β [10] and IL-2 [11] have been found elevated in two of those. On the other hand, Koh and Lee [14] reported reduced levels of IL-2 in panic disorder patients compared to controls.…”

CO2 challenge induced HPA axis activation in panic

“…However, since 35 % CO 2 inhalation did induce HPA axis activation in both the patient and the control groups, we can now confirm that a 35 % CO 2 inhalation does induce HPA axis activation in healthy volunteers, even though the anxiety levels induced in those subjects are minimal. Despite earlier negative findings from our group (van Duinen et al, 2004b), the results of the present study, which include both salivary and serum cortisol, as well as ACTH values, are in line with the most recent studies on HPA axis activation following 35 % CO 2 inhalation (Argyropoulos et al, 2002 ;Kaye et al, 2004). Moreover, with the current study we replicate and extend our latest findings (van Duinen et al, 2005).…”

Effects of experimental panic on neuroimmunological functioning

“…However, there are some studies that did report indications of aberrant immunological values PD (for a review see Ref. [14]). It should be noted that most studies described above measured immune parameters in panic using a single evaluation at some given time point during the course of the disorder.…”