Modèles psycho-neuro-immunologiques de la dépression : une revue critique

Psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI) is based on the observation of interrelations systems, that can be sensitive to psychological as well as environmental factors. Numerous studies have shown a bi-directionnal communication between the nervous and immunity systems. Various models have been suggested to explain the physiopathological mecanisms of depression. The neuroendocrine model and the cytokine one differ because of the influence given to the corticotropine axis and the immune reaction ; however, results from various studies do not confirm PNI models. These results are often contradictory ; most of these studies show an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines that could interact with the serotoninergic system, a modification of lymphocyte activity in depressed subjects and a corticotropin axis activation ; limits of PNI models are mostly due to the diversity of biological parameters involved in neuro-immunological regulations.