[Study on natural killer cell subset and activity in patients with depression].
OBJECTIVE
The study was to investigate natural killer cells subset and activity in patients with depression.


METHODS
46 outpatients with unipolar depression and 46 normal controls were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were drawn for natural killer cells subset and activity. And the results in patients with depression before and after therapy were compared with each other. Flow cytometer was used for natural killer cells subset and enzyme-released assay was used for their activity.


RESULTS
Natural killer cells subset and activities (effect-target cell ratio: 20:1,10:1)in patients with depression were significantly lower than normal controls (P < 0.01). Natural killer cell activities were increased significantly after therapy (P < 0.01)but subset was not (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggested that unipolar depression may impact natural killer cells count and function.
Neurologic Department of Guiyang Medical College Hospital. Guiyang 550004  China.
Lan
L
Chu
Shufen
S
Tian
Hongqun
H
Chen
Zhiming
Z
Zhou
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017452:Receptors, IgG
D015415:Biomarkers; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D017452:Receptors, IgG