Neuroimmune System
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2008-05-20T19:22:11Z
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By definition the '''neuroimmune system''' is comprised of the [[immune system]] and those components of the [[nervous system]] that modulate immune response. In practice, the neuroimmune system also includes [[hormonal]] signals and [[cytokine]]s that participate in signalling between the immune and nervous systems.
==Structure==
See the article on the [[immune system]] for the structure the immune system.
The key components of the nervous system that interact with the immune system are:
* [[Hypothalamus]]
* [[Pituitary gland]]
* [[Vagus nerve]]
The key components of the endocrine system that interact with the immune system are:
* [[Adrenals]]
==Signals==
Hormonal signaling between the nervous system and immune system is provided by:
* [[Corticosteroid]]s
Cytokine signaling between the nervous system and immune system is provided by:
* Opioids
===Overview of neuro-immune interactions===
Cytokines regulate immune responses, possibly through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
There is growing evidence that auto-immune T-cells are involved in neurogenesis. Studies have shown that during times of adaptive immune system response, hyppocampal neurogenesis is increased, and conversely that auto-immune T-cells and microglia are important for neurogenesis (and so memory and learning) in healthy adults[http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v9/n2/abs/nn1629.html].
== External links ==
*[http://jorgesantia.googlepages.com Online Resources in Neuroimmunomodulation, Psychoneuroimmunology]
==See also==
* [[immune system]]
* [[Immunology]]
* [[Neurology]]
* [[Psychoneuroimmunology]]
[[Category:Immune system]]