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ABSTRACT: Stress-responsive neurohormonal systems are involved in major depression (MD) and panic disorder (PD). The immune system, which is closely connected with neuronal and hormonal systems, has been studied in MD: a systemic immune activation has been recently reported. To determine whether similar changes in the immune function are present also in PD, we studied leukocyte enumeration by flow cytometry in conjunction with monoclonal antibody staining, in 18 PD, 23 MD in drug-free conditions and 20 controls. We found a significantly higher percentage of HLADR + (p <0·001) and of CD 19 cells (p < 0·01) in PD and MD and a lower percentage of CD3 (p < 0·05) in PD. Urinary free cortisol levels were higher in MD compared to PD. A pattern of lymphocyte subpopulation distribution compatible with an activation of the immune system was found in MD and PD. This activation was present also with high glucocorticoid levels, suggesting a possible defect of glucocorticoid receptors.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental 10/2004; 10(6):461 - 465. · 2.48 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Plasma interleukin-1 beta (Il-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations were measured twice, at a 48-hour interval, in 27 drug-free obsessive-compulsive patients (12 women and 15 men) and in 27 sex-age-matched healthy controls. Il-1 beta and TNF-alpha concentrations were significantly lower in patients than in controls, whereas there were no differences in either group between men and women, between the samples of the two days, or, in the patients, between those who had and those who had not been previously treated with psychopharmacologic drugs.
Biological Psychiatry 01/1998; 42(11):976-81. · 8.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatologic disease whose onset is significantly associated to life events. Its course may often be characterized by high levels of anxiety and depression. These observations suggested a rationale for using an antidepressant in AA. Thirteen patients were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy of imipramine in alopecia. After six months clinically significant hair regrowth occurred in 5 of the 7 patients on imipramine, whereas no response was observed in the placebo group. An improvement in psychic symptomatology was present in both groups. Our preliminary results indicate the potential efficacy of imipramine in patients with AA, not acting directly through a reduction of anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 02/1994; 61(3-4):195-8. · 6.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatologic disease whose onset is significantly associated to life events. Its course may often be characterized by high levels of anxiety and depression. These observations suggested a rationale for using an antidepressant in AA. Thirteen patients were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy of imipramine in alopecia. After six months clinically significant hair regrowth occurred in 5 of the 7 patients on imipramine, whereas no response was observed in the placebo group. An improvement in psychic symptomatology was present in both groups. Our preliminary results indicate the potential efficacy of imipramine in patients with AA, not acting directly through a reduction of anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 08/1970; 61(3-4):195-198. · 6.28 Impact Factor
