Lipopolysaccharide-induced experimental immune activation does not impair memory functions in humans.
Systemic immune activation occurring together with release of peripheral cytokines can affect behavior and the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). However, it remains unknown whether and to what extent cognitive functions like memory and attention are affected during transient immune activation. We employed a human endotoxemia model and standardized neuropsychological tests to assess the cognitive effects of an experimental inflammation in two groups of 12 healthy young men before and after intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli, 0.4 ng/kg) or physiological saline. Endotoxin administration caused a profound transient physiological response with elevations in body temperature, number of circulating neutrophils, and increases in plasma cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α], and concentrations of norepinephrine, ACTH and cortisol. However, these changes in immune and neuroendocrine parameters were not associated with alterations of memory performance, selective attention or executive functions.
Grigoleit
Jan-Sebastian
JS
Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
Oberbeck
J Reiner
JR
Lichte
Philipp
P
Kobbe
Philipp
P
Wolf
Oliver T
OT
Montag
Thomas
T
del Rey
Adriana
A
Gizewski
Elke R
ER
Engler
Harald
H
Schedlowski
Manfred
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D057190:Stroop Test; D055815:Young Adult
D016207:Cytokines; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D006854:Hydrocortisone