Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and the Depressive Phenotype

Abstract

In this review, the evidence is summarized implicating chronic low-grade inflammation in the pathophysiology of major depression. The possible mechanisms whereby such inflammatory changes lead to aberrant endocrine and neurotransmitter functions are also outlined and implicate the pro-inflammatory cytokines which are released from activated microglia as the primary cause in brain structure and function. It is now apparent that the inflammasome complex, which is located in the microglia, plays a crucial role in initiating the cytokine response.