Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
Enhanced cellular immune response in women with PTSD related to childhood abuse
Margaret Altemus1, Marylene Cloitre, Firdaus S Dhabhar
1Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 244, New York, NY 10021, USA. maltemus@med.cornell.edu
Objective:
Disturbed regulation of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenomedullary system in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggests that immune function, which is modulated by these systems, also may be dysregulated in individuals with PTSD.
Method:
Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test responses were measured in 16 women with PTSD due to childhood sexual or physical abuse and 15 women who did not have a history of abuse, other trauma, or psychiatric disorders. HPA axis activity was assessed by examination of circadian salivary cortisol levels and a single time point measurement of plasma cortisol.
Results:
Delayed-type hypersensitivity was enhanced in women with PTSD. Cortisol measures did not differ between PTSD and healthy comparison subjects.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that cell-mediated inflammatory reactions are greater in individuals with PTSD.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Traumatic Memory

