[Molecular basis of the communication of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems]

The nervous, endocrine and immune systems integrate one another to preserve homeostasis in the stress response. The molecular bases of this network are reviewed. The neuroendocrine actions of cytokines, the immune activities of pituitary hormones, opioids, glucocorticoids as well as the immune system production of opioid peptides are examined in detail.