Immunological influences in attention-deficit disorder and schizophrenia; is there a link between these two conditions?

Med Hypotheses. 1995 Dec;45(6):575-87. doi: 10.1016/0306-9877(95)90242-2.

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the influence of the immune system on the pathobiochemistry of movement disorders (Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders and attention-deficit disorder, with and without hyperactivity) and schizophrenia. In children, a temporal relationship has been observed between contraction of a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection and subsequent presentation with one of the movement disorders. Pathology investigations reveal that elevated antineuronal antibodies are associated with movement disorders. Similarly, elevations in interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 have been reported in schizophrenia. It is now known that the immune system can be activated by conditions other than a viral or bacterial infection, such as: neurological insult, neurotoxicity--endogenous and environmental, neurotransmitter and cholesterol dysregulation. These latter avenues of immune system activation will be explored with respect to schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / etiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / immunology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Child
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Biological*
  • Schizophrenia / etiology
  • Schizophrenia / immunology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Glucose