New mouse model mimicking IFN-related depression in HCV patients

Background: We have previously identified 15 genes (DRIIs) that are associated with the development of severe depressive side effects during the standard therapy with interferon alpha (IFN-α) and ribavirin in the peripheral blood of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. In the present work, through the direct intracerebroventricular application of IFN and poly(I:C), we developed an animal model mimicking the depression conditions affecting HCV patients, as well as the genetic response in terms of DRIIs and cytokine expression. Methods: 10 – 12 weeks old C57Bl6/j mice were anesthetized with 1% isoflurane and…