Context Inflammatory cytokines or cytokine inducers can alter basal ganglia activity,
including reducing responsiveness to rewarding stimuli that may be mediated by cytokine
effects on dopamine function. Objectives To determine whether long-term administration of
the inflammatory cytokine interferon alfa reduces the basal ganglia response to reward and
whether such changes are associated with decreased presynaptic striatal dopamine
function and altered behavior. Design Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Setting …