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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome > Publications > Pathophysiology >

Cytokines and psychopathology: lessons from interferon-alpha

Capuron L, Miller AH
Biological Psychiatry 2004;56:819-824.

Summary

This is a review article, by Emory University collaborators in the CFS research program, discussing possible effects of cytokines in the pathophysiology of CFS.

Abstract

Interferon-alpha is a potent inducer of the cytokine network and is notorious for causing behavioral alterations. Studies on interferon-alpha–treated patients reveal at least two distinct syndromes: 1) a mood/cognitive syndrome that appears late during interferon-alpha therapy is responsive to antidepressants and is associated with activation of neuroendocrine pathways and altered serotonin metabolism; and 2) a neurovegetative syndrome characterized by psychomotor slowing, and fatigue that appears early during interferon-alpha treatment is antidepressant nonresponsive and may be mediated by alterations in basal ganglia dopamine metabolism. Findings from interferon-alpha may provide important clues regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of cytokine induced behavioral changes in medically ill patients, while also potentially modeling the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients without medical disorders.

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