Depression is very common and poses a huge disease burden. About 20% of the US population
suffers from depression at least once in their lifetime. Inflammations that are hidden inside
our body as a result of aging, obesity, chronic diseases, or certain treatments (e.g.,
interferon for hepatitis C) appear to cause depressive symptoms and even clinical depression.
Individuals with such inflammations are more likely to suffer from depression and are less
likely to respond to currently available antidepressant medications. This study will test
theophylline, a medication currently used for asthma treatment, as a new way to mitigate
depressive symptoms in response to such inflammations. This study begins with a 90-minute
screening session to determine whether participants are eligible to join the main study.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria will then join the main study, which will consist of
taking theophylline or methylcellulose (i.e., oral placebo) for 2 weeks at home and an 8-hour
session at the UCLA Medical Center. Approximately 20 healthy adults will be recruited for
participation in the study. During the course of the study, participants will take
theophylline or methylcellulose for 2 weeks at home and then will be injected either
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline (i.e., intravenous placebo) at the UCLA Medical Center.
LPS is a bacterial substance that can initiate chemical reactions that are similar to those
seen in individuals with mild sickness symptoms, such as a slight increase in body
temperature, muscle aches, or tiredness. It is a safe way of investigating the body's
response to inflammation and how these changes may alter cognitive, emotional, or neural
function. It has been given thousands of times to healthy volunteers - both younger and older
adults - without any serious side effects.