The neuro-immuno-cutaneous-endocrine network: relationship between mind and skin

Abstract

Brain-body(skin) influences are bi-directional and skin should be considered as an active neuro-immuno-endocrine interface, where effector molecules act as common words used in a dynamic dialogue between brain, immune-system and skin. It has been widely demonstrated that stimuli received in the skin can influence the immune, endocrine and nervous systems at both a local and central level. However, the brain can also modulate inflammatory conditions locally induced in the skin. It has been experimentally demonstrated that intracerebral administration of the tridecapeptide alpha-MSH or even its COOH-terminal tripeptide can in fact inhibit cutaneous inflammation induced by the application of topical irritants and intradermal injection of cytokines. The skin can therefore alter the pharmacology of the CNS by releasing large amounts of NPs which obviously do work locally in the skin and beyond the skin. Alpha-MSH may represent a key molecule for understanding this aspect of cutaneous-immune-neuro-endocrine-mental biological communication, being it is also generated in the skin. This molecule may in the future be used as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in clinical dermatology, and preclinical trials are presently in progress.

Anatomical Colocalization of Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata~!2010-01-18~!2010-05-21~!2010-07-14~!

“…Several autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, lichen planus or pernicious anaemia, have been reported to occur more frequently in patients with both disorders [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The immune-pathologic basis in these conditions relies on singular and interactive functions of antibodies, T cells, self antigens and organ specificity [10].…”

“…Pathogenesis of vitiligo and AA is complex and not well understood. T-cellmediated immunologic changes, neuropeptides, autoimmunity, heredity or the effect of environmental stressors have all been proposed to be factors in the induction of both conditions [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The development of autoimmune diseases generally involves three components: 1) immune system, 2) environmental triggers and other exogenous precipitating factors and 3) target tissue [11].…”

The Role of Neuromediators and Innervation in Cutaneous Wound Healing

“…The central nervous systemskin interactions involve a number of neuromediators, cytokines, hormones and other effector molecules (1). Therefore stimuli received at the skin interface can influence the nervous system at both a local and central level; the brain can modulate skin function in physiological and pathophysiological states and the skin can alter the pharmacology of the central nervous system by releasing large amounts of neuropeptides (2).…”

Painful bruising syndrome: A case report

“…Gardner and Diamond believed that the syndrome was due to auto sensitization [3]. Recently, it has been suggested that PBS is caused by a dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the neuro-immuno-cutaneous system [6].…”