Gobin Veerle

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TITLE

The effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the activated immune system

SUMMARY

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) are widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These therapeutics block the reuptake of serotonin through the serotonin transporter, resulting in enhanced synaptic serotonin levels. Recent studies show that the serotonin transporter is expressed by human peripheral lymphocytes, and that serotonin plays an important role in the stimulation and activation of lymphocytes. Consequently, inhibition of the serotonin uptake through the serotonin transporter has an effect on the activation of lymphocytes. The major aim of this study is to investigate the effect of SSRI’s on lymphocytes, especially on activated lymphocytes.

PUBLICATIONS

http://lib.ugent.be/bibliografie/802000635586