Dynamic Interactions Between the Immune System and the Neuroendocrine System in Health and Disease

Abstract

The immune system and the neuroendocrine system share many common features. Both consist of diverse components consisting of receptors and networks that are widely distributed throughout the body, and both sense and react to external stimuli which, on the one hand control mechanisms of immunity, and on the other hand control and regulate growth, development, and metabolism. It is thus not surprising, therefore, that the immune system and the neuroendocrine system communicate extensively. This article will focus on bi-directional immune-endocrine interactions with particular emphasis on the hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. New findings will be discussed demonstrating the direct process through which the immune system-derived thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) controls thyroid hormone synthesis and bone metamorphosis, particularly in the context of a novel splice variant of TSHβ made by peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Also presented are the ways whereby the TSHβ splice variant may be a contributing factor in the development and/or perpetuation of autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT), and how systemic infection may elicit immune-endocrine responses. The relationship between non-HPT hormones, in particular adipose hormones, and immunity is discussed.

RGD-Labeled Hemocytes With High Migration Activity Display a Potential Immunomodulatory Role in the Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas

“…Recently, an increasing number of studies in mammals have revealed that excitatory and inhibitory neuroendocrine factors can antagonistically regulate the activity of cell movement in addition to together supporting the behavior of animal movement ( 59 , 77 ). Excitatory neuroendocrine factors such as L-adrenaline and L-dopamine induce the cell migration of embryonic neural progenitor cells through the activation of α1 adrenergic receptors and the dopamine D1 receptor, respectively ( 78 ).…”

Role of thyroid hormone in an experimental model of atherosclerosis: the potential mediating role of immune response and autophagy

“…Thyroid hormones exert pleiotropic effects on immune response. Previous studies have identified thyroid hormone effects on the functions of both innate immune cells (e.g., granulocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells) and adaptive immune cells (e.g., T-and B-lymphocytes) [23]. Here, we focus on macrophages and T-lymphocytes, which have been recognized as important determinants in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis [24,25].…”

Utility of Vajikarana in General Health- A Review

“…The concept of general health can thus be easily explained by detailing the basic concepts of these components which stabilize the wellbeing. Tridosha [6] The concept of Tridosha is related to physiological regulation through the unified functioning of the Doshas namely Vata, Pita and Kapha. Essentially Dosha plays a vital role in maintaining health and manifestation of diseases.…”