Decreased levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in unmedicated and medicated schizophrenic patients.
BACKGROUND
The soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is a marker for the activation of the cellular immune system. Since an activation of the immune system has been observed in a part of the schizophrenic patients, we measured the serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in schizophrenic patients and correlated them to the patient's psychopathology.


METHODS
To monitor a possible effect of antipsychotic therapy, 36 schizophrenic patients were examined twice: first without antipsychotic medication immediately after admission to the hospital and then, after clinical improvement before discharge. The results were compared with those of 36 age- and gender-related healthy individuals.


RESULTS
The schizophrenic patients showed significantly decreased serum levels of sICAM-1 at the first examination (248 +/- 95 ng/mL) and at re-examination (266 +/- 95 ng/mL) compared with the comparison group (323 +/- 74 ng/mL). Patients with more pronounced negative symptoms showed higher levels of sICAM-1 at the first examination.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that reduced sICAM-1 levels in schizophrenia indicate a reduced activity of the cellular immune system in at least a subgroup of schizophrenic patients.
Schwarz
M J
MJ
Psychiatric Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.
Riedel
M
M
Ackenheil
M
M
Müller
N
N
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000276:immunology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012074:Remission Induction; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1