Cytokines as mediators in the central nervous system.
Cytokines are soluble mediators involved in cell-cell regulations in the immunological and the hematopoietic system. We review various cytokine effects on the central nervous system, including growth-promoting activity, neuro-modulatory action, fever induction, sleep and decreased food intake. In addition, cytokines, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and hormones all participate in an intricate inter-relationship to contribute to the development and maintenance of brain homeostasis. Cytokines are also involved in the wounding responses of injured brain after trauma, infection or neuro-degenerative processes. Pharmacological modulation of the expression and/or actions of cytokines in the brain may represent a new field of research of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of central disorders.
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toulouse, France.
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Pousset
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000187:drug effects
D016207:Cytokines