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Pathological Effects of Stress on the Immune System
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Mohammad Hossein Nicknam   , Kamal Abdolmohammadh , Elham Masoumi , Yousef Fatahi |
| The Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran & Immunology Research Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran; Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences. |
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Abstract: (6010 Views) |
Background: The immune system has complex interactions with the endocrine system and the central nervous system (CNS).
Methods: Library studies and international databases were used.
Results: Stressors can regulate the immune system through production of catecholamines and glucocorticoids derived from the sympathetic-adrenal medulla (SAM) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes. By their binding receptor on the immune cells, glucocorticoids regulate multiple functions of the immune system such as cytokine production, proliferation, migration, and also anti-viral responses. In this review, two types of stress and immune system responses are briefly explained. Moreover, interactions among the immune system, the endocrine system, and the central nervous system as well as effect of stress on the function of immune cells are discussed.
Conclusion: Interactions between CNS, endocrine and immune systems and the effect of various stressors on immune system cells have been shown in various studies to be beneficial or harmful depending on the severity and duration of stress; but the effect on the immune system compared to the nervous system cannot be disputed. Lifestyle is one of the factors associated with stress and immunity. By improving in lifestyle, people can reduce long-term stress in their lives and benefit from the beneficial and protective effects of short-term stress on improving their immune function. |
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| Keywords: Central Nervous System, Endocrine System, Immune System, Stress, Stress (Physiological) |
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Full-Text [PDF 366 kb]
(2432 Downloads)
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Letter: Review Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2020/06/13 | Accepted: 2020/06/13 | Published: 2020/06/13
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