Naslov
The immune system under stress

Autori
Sabioncello, Ante ; Gotovac, Katja ; Vidović, Anđelko ; Gagro, Alenka ; Markotić, Alemka ; Rabatić, Sabina ; Dekaris, Dragan

Izvornik
Periodicum biologorum (0031-5362) 106 (2004), 4; 317-323

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, leading article, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
immune-neuroendocrine system connections; regulation; self-nonself discrimination; danger; integrity; homeostasis allostasis; stress

Sažetak
The immune and neuroendocrine systems are intricately connected and communicating with all other tissues and organs of the body. Communication between systems is indispensable for integrity maintenance of an organism exposed to all kinds of internal and environmental signals. These signals transfer information between individual cells of every system in order to counteract any deviation from established optimal pattern of stability (homeostasis). Fluctuating environmental conditions can overcome homeostatic range, thus threatening the integrity. This threat (stressor) elicits physiological and behavioral responses through changes of boundaries of control to re-establish stability (allostasis). A state of disturbed integrity (stress) elicits a stress response through the release soluble mediators, thus modifying the immune cell behavior and function. Even threats to our sense of mental integrity may have physical consequences including changes in immune system. In this way psychological stress will not initiate immune reaction but only incite immune cells to additional physiological functions and modulate their reactivity to any concomitant or subsequent antigenic challenges. Thus, protection against pathogenic agents that immune system provides is a consequence of its capacity to maintain homeostasis rather than its goal. Stress may be associated with psychiatric and physical comorbidity with strong influence on immune response. The literature data, including our own, on the effects of stress on various aspects of immunity are reviewed. Although the findings are difficult to reconcile, a common pattern of immune alterations can be defined. The characteristics of stressors are important in determining the kind of change that would occur. Short-term stressors enhanced natural immunity and at the same time, specific cellular immunity was suppressed while humoral immunity was preserved. Chronic stress was found to be associated with global suppression of the immune system, particularly specific immune functions (both cellular and humoral). Finally, age and disease status were found to affect an individual's vulnerability to stress-related decreases in immune function.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti, Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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