Serum immunoglobulin level in Egyptian male schizophrenics under chlorpromazine treatment

ABSTRACT

This work was carried out to study serum immunoglobulin [Ig] levels in chronic Egyptian schizophrenics and the possible effects of chlorpromazine [CPZ] medication on them. Results of the present work revealed that there was significant elevation [P <0.05] of serum IgM, IgG, and IgA in schizophrenics compared with control healthy group. Moreover, in schizophrenics under CPZ treatment there was significant rise [P <0.05] in serum IgG, IgM and IgA compared with control healthy group, but IgM level was significantly elevated [P <0.05] compared with schizophrenic group. In addition, there were nonsignificant differences [P> 0.05] in serum albumin or total protein. In conclusion, increased Ig levels may suggest that schizophrenia might be caused by viral infections or may be an autoimmune disease. Moreover, stimulation of immune system by CPZ may explain the resistance of schizophrenics to CPZ treatment. It can be recommended that patient who develop an increase in serum IgM while on CPZ be switched to other type of antipsychotic medications