Effect of Different Antipsychotics on Cytokine Production After Immunologically Stimulated PBMC Culture

Aims: To investigate the effect of different antipsychotics on cytokine production in immunologically challenged Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) culture.

Study Design: In vitro cell culture study to determine cytokine (IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ) level.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka between January 2013 and April 2013.

Methodology: Blood sample was collected from 22 healthy volunteers. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells were separated and culture was prepared. The culture was stimulated with either LPS (lipopolysaccharide) or poly(I:C) (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid). Stimulated PBMC culture was treated with typical antipsychotic (Haloperidol) and atypical antipsychotics (Clozapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone). Pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine levels were determined from the stimulated PBMC culture and stimulated plus antipsychotic treated PBMC culture.

Results: Typical antipsychotic; Haloperidol and atypical antipsychotics; Clozapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone significantly (P = .05) enhance IL-10 production but not IL-4 in the LPS and poly(I:C) stimulated PBMC culture. IL-10 production was robust in LPS stimulated PBMC culture than the poly(I:C) stimulated culture. Typical and atypical both antipsychotics significantly (P = .05) reduce increased IFN-γ level in the LPS and poly(I:C) stimulated PBMC culture.

Conclusion: Typical and atypical antipsychotics were successfully alters immune function by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFN-γ) levels and elevation of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10).