Cited by 784Tryptophan and brain disordersStress Responses and CortisolNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

Cytokines and the Brain: Implications for Clinical Psychiatry

Kronfol, Ziad, Remick, Daniel G.·2000·American Journal of Psychiatry

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews recent developments in cytokine biology that are relevant to clinical psychiatry. METHOD: The authors reviewed English-language literature of the last 15 years that pertains to the biology of cytokines with emphasis on central nervous system effects in general and psychiatric disorders in particular. RESULTS: Growing evidence suggests that, in addition to providing communication between immune cells, specific cytokines play a role in signaling the brain to produce neurochemical, neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and behavioral changes. This signaling may be part of a generalized, comprehensive mechanism to mobilize resources in the face of physical and/or psychological stress and to maintain homeostasis. The clinical implications of these findings are far-reaching and include a possible role for cytokines in the pathophysiology of specific psychiatric disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. The effects of cytokines in the central nervous system may provide a possible mechanism for the "sickness behavior" of patients with severe infection or cancer, as well as for the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of treatment with interferons and interleukins. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the role of cytokines in various brain activities will enhance knowledge of specific psychobiological mechanisms in health and disease and provide opportunities for novel treatment interventions.

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Crossref · 10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.683

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Authors
Kronfol, Z., & Remick, D. G.
Affiliations
Michigan Medicine (US)
Venue
American Journal of Psychiatry
Published
2000-05-01
Volume
157
Issue
5
Pages
683-694
ISSN
  • 0002-953X (ISSN-L)
  • 1535-7228
OpenAlex
W2134144722
Cited by
784
References
96
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 46 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 33 · 2013: 40 · 2012: 45
FWCI
14.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • American Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
Keywords
cytokines, neuroimmunology, central nervous system, mental illness, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, sickness behavior, interferon adverse effects, stress response, homeostasis, psychobiological mechanisms
MeSH terms
Mental Disorders, Brain, Humans, Immunogenetics, Stress, Physiological, Stress, Psychological, Neuroimmunomodulation, Cytokines

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