Neuroendocrine-immune system

Rollins-Smith, L.A. Neuroendocrine-immune system interactions in amphibians. Implications for understanding global amphibian declines. Immunologic Res., 2312 3, 273, 2001. 

Double Assault Malign Manipulation of the Neuroendocrine-Immune System... 

Chapman was one of the first to describe the interrelatedness of the "neuroendocrine-immune" systems with the introduction of the concept of the "pelvic-thyroid" syndrome. Years later, Arbuckle included the term "adrenal," coining the term "pelvic-thyroid-adrenal syndrome" (PTAS). To Chapman and Owens, the thyroid was the master gland of immunity. As... 

Willard FH, Mokler DJ, Morgane PJ. Neuroendocrine-Immune System and Homeostasis. In Ward RC, ed. fb n-dations for OsteofM ac Medicine. Baltimore Williams and Wilkms, 1997. 

From the perspective of hormonal influences on brain and systemic function via the influence on all three legs of the neuroendocrine immune system, alterations in somatic function become more easily understood. This relationship is best expressed via the autonomic systems structural influence and can be detected as increases in muscle tone, diaphoresis, hypervigilance, hyperesthesia, increased heart rate, and the increased frequency and severity of mood swings (up-reg-ulated sympathetic drive). 

High concentrations of KOP have been found in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus KOP is also present in the gastrointestinal tract, in immune cells as well as in other peripheral tissues. KOPs have been implicated in the regulation of nociception, diuresis, feeding, neuroendocrine and immune system functions [2]. 

Fig. 5. Interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems occurring during an inflammatory and/or stress reaction.

The immunotoxicology of metals in fishes has been reviewed elsewhere [74-76, 45], Overall, the immune systems of fishes are highly sensitive to metals, although the effects are not always suppression of immune functions. Burnett [76] demonstrated that low levels of metals increased intracellular calcium, increased protein phosphorylation, and stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in fish. Since most metals are toxic to both the nervous system and the immune system, a neuroendocrine-immune link to immuno-toxicity from metal exposure is likely. 

Development of models to assess chemical-induced allergic or autoimmune reactions is difficult in that both types of reactions are subject to complex processes, and are idiosyncratic in nature. Factors that must be considered include a large number of genetic as well as phenotypic, neuroendocrine, or environmental factors that are only in part related to the immune system. 

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis work together as important modulators of the immune system after exposure to stressors. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) (catecholamines from the SNS) and neuroendocrine hormones modulate a range of immune cell activities, including cell proliferation, cytokine and antibody production, lytic activity, and migration. This chapter will focus on these two major pathways of brain-immune signaling, briefly summarizing the evidence for SNS and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) modulation of immune function, their influence on immune-mediated diseases, immune modulation in aging, and early life influences on these pathways. 

Karrow, N. A., Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system during inflammation and altered programming of the neuroendocrine-immune axis... 

Physioiogicai There is an extensive literature that deals with the effects ginseng on CNS function, but effects are also seen in neuroendocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the immune system, and cardiovascular function (Gillis 1997). Ginsenosides induce a decrease in heart rate and have biphasic effects on blood pressure, with decreases preceded by a slight increase (Kaku et al. 1975). Ginsenoside Rgl had the most potent effects on blood pressure. Little or no effect is observed on respiration. 

B. Xu (2001). The importance of beta-adrenergic receptors in immune regulation a link between neuroendocrine and immune system. Med. Hypotheses 56 273-276. 

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