The blood brain barrier and the role of cytokines in neuropsychiatry.

Abstract

Cytokines have emerged in the past two decades as some of the most extensively studied peptide molecules contributing to the pathophysiology of many diseases. As a result of these translational efforts, discovery of drugs aimed at reducing damage caused by cytokines has been accomplished for some conditions. The characterization of the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders is still in its infancy. This article highlights the growing correlation of brain cytokine levels with corresponding psychiatric symptoms, known as cytokine-induced sickness behavior, comprising increased sleep, decreased appetite, decreased sexual drive, and overwhelming fatigue frequently combined with fever.