Cytokine production in schizophrenic patients: effect of neuroleptic medications

Patients with schizophrenia possess different immunological aberrations, but their significance is not clear. Objective: In the present study the authors analyzed the production of cytokines in serum of 32 schizophrenic patients, before and after neuroleptic treatment, and 22 age and sex matched healthy controls. Methods: IL-receptor antagonist (IL-Ira), and IL-2 soluble receptor antagonist (IL-2sR) levels were evaluated by sandwich immunoassay. Results: Significant increased levels of IL-2sR were found in schizophrenic patients before and after treatment as compared to healthy controls (p<0.02 and p<0.004, respectively). No significant differences were found in serum levels of IL-Ira between schizophrenic patients and controls, but it was highly increased in schizophrenic patients after neuroleptic treatment (p<0.017). Conclusions: The present study supports evidence for immune activation in some schizophrenic patients and neuroleptic medications differentially affect the production of various cytokines.