Levels of CSF fluid interleukin-2, but not interleukin-1 alpha, were
found to be higher in 10 neuroleptic-free schizophrenic patients than in 10
healthy subjects matched for sex and age. Because interleukin-2 increases
dopaminergic neurotransmission and participates in autoimmunity and cell
growth, the authors postulate that elevated levels of central interleukin-2
might contribute to the increased dopaminergic neurotransmission,
autoimmune phenomena, and abnormal brain morphology described in some
patients with schizophrenia.
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