Interaction between Hormones and the Immune System

Abstract

After a short introduction into the general topic, the catecholamine-induced increase of leukocytes in which the granulocytes are predominant after short-term exercise is discussed. The reduction of lymphocytes is associated with work-dependent cortisol increase after long-term exercise or 1 h after strenous work. The catecholamine-stimulated lymphocytes increase could be explained by the liberation of the cells from the endothelial vessel wall after catecholamine interaction with the beta-adrenoceptors and by mobilization from lymph nodes and spleen after beta-adrenergic stimulation. Catecholamines reduce the proliferation of lymphocytes and the degranulation of mast cells, preventing hypersensitivity reaction due to inhibited mediator liberation. The influence of cortisol and cytokines and vice versa is discussed. The hormonal changes after runs of different intensities and duration are demonstrated; they show an interaction with immunological regulation. The neuroimmune modulation after physical and psychological stress also has to be considered in immune regulation since under this condition the secretion of encephalins, endorphins, ACTH, and cortisol is increased. The significance of enhanced vasopressin secretion causing postural fainting by vagovasal reaction indicates also the effect of a neuropeptide which is related to immunological reactions. In the changes of lymphocyte subclasses, the homing effect of these cells should be regarded. Advices which can improve the immunologic behaviour, avoiding susceptibility to infections by well-conducted training regimens and adequate periods of regeneration time, are necessary.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiological Changes in Pachinko Players; Beta-endorphin, Catecholamines, Immune System Substances and Heart Rate.

“…The increase in beta-endorphin induces glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex which works as an immunosuppressor, and also activates the immune system (Northoff and Berg, 1991;Weicker and Werle, 1991). In this study the number of T cells decreased significantly.…”

“…Immune system responses and heart rate were also investigated since the increase in beta-endorphin works as an immunosuppressor, and also activates the immune system (Northoff and Berg, 1991;Weicker and Werle, 1991), and norepinephrine secreted is correlated with heart rate (Kondo et al, 1994).…”

Changes in the TBARs content and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the lymphoid organs and skeletal muscles of adrenodemedullated rats

“…Furthermore, as is the case for all cells responsive to epinephrine via cAMP generation, immune cells display ß-adrenoceptors (15,16). In fact, epinephrine increases the proliferative capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ cells via α-receptors, but inhibits that of CD4+ cells via ß-adrenoceptors (17)(18)(19). Thus, it was proposed that when cAMP concentrations increase in the lymphocytes, the proliferative capacity of the latter is inhibited (20).…”

The Post-Modern Era: Chronic Disease and the Onslaught of a Sedentary Lifestyle

“…In 1938 CE, the Swedish Physician G. Vejlens further demonstrated an association between margination and erythrocyte aggregation. Much of the margination was flow dependent, but Crary et al (1983) made the important discovery that leukocyte adherence to the vascular wall was also modulated by an action of catecholamines upon cell adhesion molecules, with a resulting attachment or release of immune cells from storage sites (Weicker and Werle 1991). This conclusion spurred an extensive study of the modulation of the activity of adhesion molecules by hormones such as the catecholamines , and the relationship of such modulation to the immune responses observed during exercise.…”