The role of inflammatory cytokines on the aetiopathogenesis of depression.

Objective: The primary focus of this review is to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in the development of depression. The article will describe how inflammatory cytokines contribute to depression via action on three major pathways in the brain: the neuroendocrine; neurotransmitter depletion; and neuroprogression pathways.

Methods: An online literature search was carried out in July 2012.