Neopterin production, tryptophan degradation, and mental depression--what is the link?
|
| Abstract |
The cytokine interferon-gamma stimulates human monocytes/macrophages to release large amounts of neopterin. Increased neopterin concentrations in body fluids of patients are observed during diseases with activated cellular (=TH1-type) immune response such as allograft rejection, virus infections, autoimmune disorders, or malignant tumors but also in neurodegenerative diseases or during pregnancy. In various cells interferon-gamma induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which degrades tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway. Therefore like increased neopterin formation, enhanced tryptophan degradation is observed in diseases concomitant with cellular immune activation. Disturbed metabolism of tryptophan affects biosynthesis of neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), and it appears to be associated with an increased susceptibility for depression. In fact, enhanced neopterin concentrations together with increased degradation of tryptophan and low serum levels of tryptophan correlate with neuropsychiatric abnormalities like cognitive decline and depressive symptoms especially in long-lasting and chronic diseases. Activation of IDO could represent an important link between the immunological network and the pathogenesis of depression.
|
|---|---|
| Authors | Bernhard Widner, Andreas Laich, Barbara Sperner-Unterweger, Maximilian Ledochowski, Dietmar Fuchs |
| Journal | Brain, behavior, and immunity (Brain Behav Immun) Vol. 16 Issue 5 Pg. 590-5 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 0889-1591 [Print] Netherlands |
| PMID | 12401473 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review) |
| Copyright | Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA) |
| Chemical References |
|
| Topics |
|
Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!