Overview of psychoneuroimmunological stress‐ and intervention studies in humans with emphasis on the uses of immunological parameters

Abstract

Psychoneuroimmunological stress-and intervention studies are summarized and discussed especially with respect to the immunological parameters used. A description is given of the studies on bereavement, on examinations, and on the effects of various psychosocial situations and on experimental manipulations on immunological parameters as well as of intervention studies. Following an analysis of the immunological parameters regarding their susceptibility to psychosocial changes, a model for research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology is presented. This overview reveals that the results of the reviewed studies prove to be inconsistent. Cell counts and mitogen assays are the most frequently used parameters, while NKCA and specific anti-viral antibodies against latent viruses give the clearest results. When interpreting results of psychoneuroimmunological studies it should be considered that for most of the parameters the pathophysiological relevance is not yet established. A model which connects interrelations between psychosocial conditions, immunological parameters and disease outcome can be useful to categorize and evaluate existing and future studies and also can prevent misleading conclusions. Derived from this model recommendations for future research will be discussed.

A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection.

“…Because HIV infection first manifests in qualitative immune dysfunction (Clerici et al, 1989), functional rather than enumerative immune measures may be more accurate indicators over the illness trajectory. Additionally, functional indicators of immune status may be more sensitive to psychosocial factors than are enumerative immune measures (Kiecolt-Glaser & Glaser, 1992;Schulz & Schulz, 1992). There are limited previous reports of testing these alternative interventions in persons with HIV infection.…”

Effects of stress management on PNI‐based outcomes in persons with HIV disease

“…A growing body of research with persons who have HIV disease, as well as those who have other chronic and potentially fatal illnesses such as cancer, indicates that not only can a variety of biobehavioral strategies for stress management mitigate psychological distress and improve coping skills, they also can enhance immune function through neuroendocrine-immune system modulation (Cole & Kemeny, 1997;Glaser & Kiecolt- Glaser, 1994;Schulz & Schulz, 1992). Such intervention strategies thus have considerable potential for attenuating both psychological and physical symptomatology, thereby improving the quality of life of persons with HIV disease.…”

Telomeres and stress: Promising avenues for research in psycho-oncology

“…[7] Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) studies the relationship between psychosocial processes and immunological parameters[55] and is one avenue for exploring this link. Generally, PNI research assumes that immune function is moderated through psychosocial stress via activation of the immune and nervous systems.…”

“…Generally, PNI research assumes that immune function is moderated through psychosocial stress via activation of the immune and nervous systems. [55]…”