title: Modulation of immune cell function by the autonomic nervous system.
abstract: This review discusses some of the major findings implicating the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of immune function. The sympathetic nervous system, the primary focus of this line of research, directly innervates the major lymphoid organs, and physiological release of sympathetic neurohormones at these sites has been documented. Leukocytes have been shown to express receptors for catecholamines, as well as neuropeptide Y, and studies in vitro and in vivo have indicated that occupation of these receptors by the appropriate ligands produces functional changes in immunological cells. Finally, altered sympathetic regulation may underlie some of the immunological abnormalities observed in chronic stress, clinical depression, and ageing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Irwin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000294:innervation; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000502:physiology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide