The role of glucocorticoids and progestins in inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious disease.

ABSTRACT: A bidirectional communication exists between the CNS and the immune system. The autonomic nervous system, through neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, works in parallel with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through the actions of glucocorticoids to modulate inflammatory events. The immune system, through the action of cytokines and other factors, in turn, activates the CNS to orchestrate negative-feedback mechanisms that keep the immune response in check. Disruption of these interactions has been associated with a number of syndromes including inflammatory, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and psychiatric disorders, and the development of shock. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis also plays an important part in regulating immunity through the secretion of sex

SUBMITTER: Tait AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2538604 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature