Adaptation to chronic stress. Temporal pattern of immune and neuroendocrine correlates.
Stress-inducing stimuli are associated with a suppression of immune function. In this study, the relationship between pituitary-adrenal hormone release and natural cytoxicity was examined in the rat during single and repeated instances of chronic stress. Increased plasma concentrations of both adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin/lipotropin were correlated with increases in natural killer (NK) activity following a single period of immobilization. After 4 days of repeated daily immobilization (2.5 hours/day), the secretory response of beta-endorphin/lipotropin was similar to that on day 1, but NK activity was lower than on day 1. These observations suggest a complex interaction between pituitary-adrenal responses to stress and changes in natural cytoxicity.
Irwin
M R
MR
Clinical Center for Research on Alcoholism, San Diego VA Medical Center, California 92161.
Hauger
R L
RL
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012016:Reference Values; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008083:beta-Lipotropin; D003345:Corticosterone