title: [Impairment of the immune system caused by drugs].
abstract: The immune response and the ensuing inflammation relies on a complex interaction of cells and mediators. Various drugs can interfere with individual steps of the immune response, and in so doing they often imitate regulatory mechanisms of the immune system itself. The immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids is based on changes in cell migration, reduced responsiveness of monocytes/macrophages to various stimuli and diminished production of interleukin-2. Cyclosporin A appears to block prolactin binding to prolactin receptors on lymphocytes, thus interfering with the immunostimulatory effect of prolactin. It also appears to have a Calmodulin antagonism and might thus block lymphokine production. Anticoagulants may block delayed type hypersensitivity reactions, since activation of the coagulation cascade is involved in this type of immune reaction. Attempts to use calcium channel blockers as immunosuppressive agents, or to take advantage of the immunoregulatory effects of adrenergic substances/blockers or other neurotransmitters, are of experimental value only.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions / Q000187:drug effects*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000925:Anticoagulants; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003524:Cyclosporins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface
vernacular_title: Beeinträchtigung des Immunsystems durch Medikamente.