IMMUNE PARAMETERS IN EUTHYMIC BIPOLAR PATIENTS AND NORMAL VOLUNTEERS

Immune system parameters were investigated in euthymic bipolar patient s and matched normal volunteers. A review of the existing literature s uggested that bipolar patients might be more likely to demonstrate sig ns of immune activation. Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptors, circul ating phenotypic lymphocyte markers, levels were measured. Euthymic bi polar patients and normal volunteers did not differ on any of these me asures. Furthermore, bipolar patients could not be differentiated by m edication status or gender. In conclusion, there was no evidence of im mune system activation in euthymic bipolar patients.