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Neuroendocrine-immune interactions: a theoretical approach to aging
1Chair of Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Pavia, Italian National Research Centers on Aging (INRCA), Ancona, Italy.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Aging theories are revised as the nervous, neuroendocrine, and immune systems interact. Age-related changes in these systems are interdependent, suggesting disrupted interactions cause aging dysfunctions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Systemic aging theories include 'nervous-neuroendocrine' and 'immune' hypotheses.
- Complex interactions exist between the neuroendocrine and immune systems.
- Age-associated alterations in these systems are increasingly recognized as interdependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise systemic theories of aging based on neuroendocrine-immune interactions.
- To explore the mutual interdependence of neuroendocrine and immune system alterations in aging.
- To investigate the role of disrupted interactions in age-associated dysfunctions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on neuroendocrine-immune system interactions in aging.
- Analysis of experimental manipulations affecting these systems.
- Theoretical discussion of aging hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Experimental manipulation of one system can modify or restore the function of the other.
- Age-related alterations in nervous, neuroendocrine, and immune networks are not always intrinsic or irreversible.
- Temporal priority of age-related deterioration is difficult to assign to a single system.
Conclusions:
- Disruption of interactions among nervous, neuroendocrine, and immune systems may cause age-associated dysfunctions.
- Aging is not solely attributable to intrinsic deterioration of individual systems.
- A holistic view of aging, considering system interactions, is warranted.