Psychoimmune Neuroendocrine Integrative Mechanisms Revisited

Abstract

This review analyzes recent publications on the topic of psycho-immune-neuroendocrine integrative mechanisms. Results on the role of cytokines in cognitive processes and in a major neuroendocrine event, i.e. the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, are discussed, as are the effects of cytokines on central neurotransmission. The control of immune responses by local sympathetic nerves, a major pathway in neuroimmune communication, is discussed. This review also updates information indicating that melatonin is a circulating signal affecting the periodic organization of the immune response.

Stress as a predictor of cognitive functioning in lupus

“…5 Finally, immunological parameters, such as IL-6 and IL-2, have been related to cognitive impairment. 43 Specifically, in SLE patients a relationship has been found between the IL-6 and learning and memory deficits, 44 although a quadratic relationship is postulated; that is, while moderate levels facilitate learning, high and low levels impede it. Furthermore, we have shown previously that the most stressed patients with SLE present a worsening in the symptoms of their disease as well as abnormalities in their anti-DNA, C3 and C4 scores (which are markers of activity).…”

Altered time structure of neuro-endocrine-immune system function in lung cancer patients

“…Cortisol has a well recognized influence on immune function, inducing significant immunosuppression, characterized by the reduced cellular and humoral response of monocytes and B and T lymphocytes [1]. Melatonin, hormone secreted by the pineal gland, is able to influence the secretion of many endocrine glands, modulates the function of the immune system, shows antioxidative and oncostatic property and its production is under the control of the nervous system [2-5]. The pineal hormone directly stimulates activated helper T lymphocytes and plays an immunomodulatory role by opioid peptides [6] and by a thyroid-independent influence on the thymic function mediated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) [7].…”

Autonomic neural signals in bone: Physiological implications for mandible and dental growth

“…For example, the autonomic nervous system affects the amplitude of proliferative responses like that occurring during the immune reaction or after a reduction of the erythrocyte mass (Esquifino and Cardinali, 1994;Cardinali and Esquifino, 1998;Cardinali et al, 2000). In turn, the activity of sensory fibers in the vicinity of proliferating bone cells may help to serve to build up in the brain a viscerotopic map not dissimilar from that of dermatomes as far as the cutaneous structure.…”

“…This dual role of the autonomic nervous system on organ's activity is found in several other tissues, like endocrine and immune tissues. For example, a normal sympathetic output maintains basal cell proliferation in lymph nodes and curtails overstimulation following an antigen challenge (Esquifino and Cardinali, 1994;Cardinali and Esquifino, 1998;Cardinali et al, 2000).…”