IMMUNE PARAMETERS IN EUTHYMIC BIPOLAR PATIENTS AND NORMAL VOLUNTEERS

Immune system parameters were investigated in euthymic bipolar patients and matched normal volunteers. A review of the existing literature suggested that bipolar patients might be more likely to demonstrate signs of immune activation. Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptors, circulating phenotypic lymphocyte markers, levels were measured. Euthymic bipolar patients and normal volunteers did not differ on any of these measures. Furthermore, bipolar patients could not be differentiated by medication status or gender. In conclusion, there was no evidence of immune system activation in euthymic bipolar patients.