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Several studies have reported a suppressed immune function during depression but has not been consistently demonstrated. In an attempt to define the cellular basis of the reported immune disorders, the present study investigated the lymphocyte cell subsets of minor and major depressives. versus healthy controls. We determined the following immune parameters: the absolute numbers and percentages of CD3+, CD+4, CD+8, CD+19 and CD57+ cells. They were compared with 12 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. The immune subsets were measured by monoclonal antibody staining and indirect immunofluorescence with microscope. In comparison with healthy controls. patients with depression had a significantly lower numbers of CD3+, CD+4, CD8+ and CD57+ cells. The percentage of CD8+ cells in major depression was significantly lowered compared to the other two groups. After computing the CD+4/CD8+ ratio, we detected an increased ration in depressive patients as compared with healthy controls. although it did not reach to significant level. These data, although preliminary and in a small sample, suggest that some immune parameters may be influenced by the presence of depression.
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