Stress-induced immunosuppression

Pacifici, R. et al., Immunosuppression and oxidative stress induced by acute and chronic exposure to cocaine in rat, Ini. Immunopharmacol., 3, 581, 2003. 

Schwab, C.L. et al., Modeling and predicting stress-induced immunosuppression in mice using blood parameters, Toxicol. Sci., 83, 101, 2005. 

Fleshner, M., Watkins, L.R., Bellgrau, D., Laudenslager, M.L., and Maier, S.F. 1992. Specific changes in lymphocyte subpopulations A potential mechanism for stress-induced immunosuppression. J Neuroimmunol 41 131-142. 

High levels of stress combined with lack of sleep or distorted wake/sleep cycles (e.g., shift work) leads to elevated levels of circulating cortisol. Cortisol depresses the synthesis and release of thymic hormones resulting in compromised development of T lymphocytes and a depressed immune response. Light inhibits the production of melatonin so its level falls when individuals have inadequate sleep. This reduces the melatonin-dependent inhibition of CRH release which amplifies the increase in circulating cortisol. The stress induced immunosuppression is therefore enhanced and prolonged. 

Inhalation of citrus-based aromas Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae)) or fragrances were found to restore stress-induced immunosuppression (Shibata et al. 1990) and antidepressant-like effects in rats (2 mL/min EO in the air ux) (Komori et al. 1995a). A clinical study with depressed patients revealed that inhaling a mixture of citrus oils was capable of reducing the needed antidepressant doses moreover, inhalation of the oil by itself was antidepressive and normalized neuroendocrine hormone levels (cortisol and DA) in depressive patients (Komori et al. 1995b). Relevant to these ndings, inhaled lemon oil Citrus limonum Risso (Rutaceae)) has been shown to increase the turnover of DA and serotonin after inhalation in mice (Komiya et al. 2006). 

Fujiwara, R., Komori, T., Noda, Y. et al. 1998. Effects of a long-term inhalation of fragrances on the stress-induced immunosuppression in mice. 5(6) 318-322. 

Inhalation of citrus-based aromas [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae)] or fragrances were found to restore stress-induced immunosuppression (Shibata et al 1990) and antidepressant-like effects in rats (2 mL/min EO in the air flux) (Komori et al 1995a). A clinical study with depressed... 

P-Sitosterol (sterol) Plant membranes 4- Cortisol induction by stress [membrane fluidity 4- stressful exercise-induced immunosuppression]... 

In addition to the acute toxic effects on the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, both acute and longer-term neuropsychiatric effects (e.g. depression, anxiety, neurasthenia, insomnia, post-traumatic stress syndrome) have been documented for individuals exposed to sulfur mustard (Romano et al, 2008). Many of these effects have been documented for individuals exposed during noncombat (e.g. munitions plant workers) activities and are not always the result of high-level exposure that result in serious overt effects. Longer-term effects such as chronic bronchitis have been associated with occupational exposures that included episodes of acute toxicity, and delayed or recurrent keratitis may occur 8-40 years after a severe vapor exposure. Sulfur mustard-induced immunosuppression resulting in greater susceptibility to infections has also been reported. 

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