title: Autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms of CNS damage.
abstract: Brain morphology and function are susceptible to various psysiological influences, including changes in the immune system. Inflammation and autoimmunity are two principal immunological responses that can compromise the function of multiple organs and tissues, including the central nervous system. The present article reviews clinical and experimental evidence pointing to structural brain damage induced by chronic autoimmune and/or inflammatory processes. Largely due to the vast complexity of neuroendocrine and immune systems, most of the principal pathogenic circuits are far from elucidated. In addition to summarizing the current knowledge, this article aims to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research and combined efforts of physicians and scientists in revealing the intricate links between immunity and mental health.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Minesh
authors: M
authors: Kapadia
authors: Boris
authors: B
authors: Sakic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000473:pathology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000469:parasitology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000473:pathology; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000473:pathology; D020361:Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000473:pathology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology