Cytokine production in drug-free and neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients

A line of evidence indicates changes of the immune system in schizophrenic patients. We investigated the production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in drug-free and neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients compared to healthy, normal controls. A significant reduction in interleukin (IL)-2 production was detected in untreated schizophrenic patients (−59.6%; p< .05) as well as in IL-3-like activity (IL-3-LA) production (−27.4%; p< .05) in treated patients compared to controls. No alteration was observed in IL-1β production. It seems that schizophrenia is associated with diminished IL-2 production, while neuroleptic treatment interferes with the capacity of immunocompetent cells to synthesize and/or release II-3-LA. The alteration in cytokine production did not correlate with either the severity of the disorder or the serum prolactin levels.