Is depression associated with immune activation?

Background: Some research immunologists have suggested that major depressio n amd chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are characterized by immune activation . To test this hypothesis, we compared immunological function in patients w ith major depression and in patients with CFS who developed major depressio n after the onset of CFS to that of sedentary healthy controls. Methods: Su bjects completed the Centers for Epidemiological Study-Depression (CES-D) q uestionnaire and allowed venisection. We performed flow cytometric analysis on 13 groups of white blood cells and used a reverse transcriptase PCR met hod to assay m-RNA of eight cytokines. Results: CES-D scores were high in b oth patient groups and did not differ significantly. We found no evidence f or immune activation in either patient group. Instead the data suggested im munological downregulation in depression. Limitations: Not all the subjects in the two patient groups were off antidepressants. Conclusions: The data indicate that immune activation is not necessary in depression-either alone or with CFS. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.