CYTOKINE PRODUCTION IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Cytokine production was previously demonstrated to be reduced in untre ated major affective patients. In addition, recovery from depression f ollowing clomipramine (CMI) treatment was accompanied by the restorati on of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-3 like activity ( IL-3-LA) to normal range. In the present study we assessed the in vitr o production of IL-1 beta, IL-2, and IL-3-LA by peripheral blood monon uclear cells (PBMC) in 11 nondepressed patients with obsessive-compuls ive disorder (OCD) before and after 8 weeks of CMI treatment. Results were compared with those of 11 healthy subjects. CMI treatment induced a significant improvement in OCD symptoms. No alterations was observe d in cytokine production in OCD patients before treatment as compared to control subjects. Moreover, 8 week of drug treatment had no effect on cytokine production. In conclusion, OCD per se, as well as CMI trea tment, have no effect on interleukin production as measured in this st udy. (C) 1996 Society of Biological Psychiatry.