Neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide release in depressive illness.
Recently, some authors have reported defective neutrophil phagocytosis during depression. The present study investigated neutrophil function in 19 healthy controls and in 41 depressed inpatients categorized according to DSM-III into minor, simple major, and melancholic depression. We determined neutrophil function by means of phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and superoxide release. The results show no significant differences in neutrophil function among any of the subtypes of depression and normal volunteers. This suggests that overall neutrophil function is normal during depression. Thus, neutrophils are unlikely to be involved in the increased susceptibility to physical illness of patients with depression.
Maes
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Stevens
W
W
DeClerck
L
L
Peeters
D
D
Bridts
C
C
Schotte
C
C
Meltzer
H
H
Scharpé
S
S
Cosyns
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012016:Reference Values; D013481:Superoxides / Q000097:blood*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D013481:Superoxides