Publication
Title
Inflammation, hippocampal volume, and therapeutic outcome following electroconvulsive therapy in depressive patients : a pilot study
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) influences the concentration of peripheral inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In which way this immune effect contributes to the impact of ECT on the central nervous system in depression remains unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether the hippocampal volumetric increase in depressed patients treated with ECT is related to changes in peripheral IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Methods: IL-6 and TNF-α plasma levels were measured in 62 patients 1 week before and after an acute course of ECT. Hippocampal volumes were analyzed in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subsample of 13 patients at the same time points. Results: A significant decrease in IL-6 levels was observed in the total sample and a significant increase in hippocampal volume in the MRI subsample. The reduction of peripheral IL-6 correlated with an increase in total hippocampal volume. A more limited decrease of TNF-α correlated with a more limited increase of both the total and left hippocampus volumes. Conclusion: This pilot study is the first to highlight the link between peripheral immune changes and hippocampal volume increase following ECT. Further research is required to conclude whether ECT indeed exerts its central effect on the brain via changes of peripheral inflammatory markers.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Neuropsychobiology. - Basel
Publication
Basel : 2020
ISSN
0302-282X
DOI
10.1159/000506133
Volume/pages
79 :3 (2020) , p. 222-232
ISI
000530010400007
Pubmed ID
32114575
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Preventing Relapse After Successful ECT for Depression– A randomized controlled trial on lithium as add-on to personalized maintenance ECT.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.03.2020
Last edited 02.12.2024
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