Mutual relations between the amygdala and pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β and IL-6

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are typical examples of multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the regulation of the immune response, hematopoiesis, and inflammation. Both peripheral and intraventricular administration of these cytokines causes acute phase symptoms, e.g. fever, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and psychological depression. The amygdala belongs to the strucxtures of the limbic system involved in the regulation of the immune response. Increased activity of immune system may lead to changes in the role of amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex or insula. The aim of the study was to present the mutual interactions between the amygdala and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1 beta) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Most of the data included in this review comes from animal studies.