[Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte subset ratios before and after treatment in schizophrenia patients not taking antipsychotic medication].

OBJECTIVE

Immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia have been previously studied. According to the present point of view, an infection or autoimmune process might be occurring in the form of cellular and/or humoral immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia. Furthermore, several effects of antipsychotic medication on the immunological profile of schizophrenic patients have been demonstrated. The present study aimed to compare the total T-lymphocytes level and the T-lymphocyte subset ratios in schizophrenia patients not treated with antipsychotics and healthy controls. The relationship between disease duration, symptom severity, and treatment response and T-lymphocyte profiles were investigated.

METHODS

The study included 14 patients (11 antipsychotic naive, 3 antipsychotic free for at least 6 months) diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder that were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls in terms of the total T-lymphocytes level and T-lymphocyte subset ratios using flow-cytometry. The relationship of the T-lymphocyte profiles, to disease duration and treatment response was investigated.

RESULTS

The groups were not different in terms of total T-lymphocytes level and T-lymphocyte subset ratios; however, the antipsychotic naive patients and the group with disease duration < 2 years had lower rates of T8-lymphocytes. Total T-lymphocytes and the T8-lymphocyte ratio increased after treatment. Clinical improvement was correlated with total T-lymphocytes and the T4-lymphocyte subset ratio.

CONCLUSION

Cellular immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia may be intrinsic factors. Changes in the cellular immune system are associated with treatment response and might be candidates for biological markers.