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Immune modulation in response to stress and relaxation
Mahbub-E-Sobhani1, N Haque, U Salma
1Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh.
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences : PJBS
|September 10, 2011
Summary
Psychological stress impacts immune function through the psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network. Understanding these connections reveals how stress harms homeostasis, while relaxation supports it.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Integrative Medicine
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Traditional medicine often separated mind and body.
- Emerging science recognizes the profound impact of psychological states on physical health.
- Psychoneuroimmunology explores the intricate psyche-soma interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of psychological stress and relaxation on immune modulation.
- To elucidate the role of the psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network.
- To highlight the differential impact of various stress types on immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the psycho-neuro-endocrino-immune network.
- Analysis of endocrine mediators: Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF), Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH), Glucocorticoids (GC), endorphins, and enkephalins.
- Examination of immune components: T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) cells, and cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, interleukins).
Main Results:
- Psychological stress, encompassing acute, brief naturalistic, and chronic forms, exhibits distinct immune modulatory activities.
- These stress-induced immune changes can disrupt the body's homeostasis.
- Specific endocrine and immune components within the network mediate these effects.
Conclusions:
- Different types of psychological stress differentially affect immune function.
- Chronic and acute stress negatively impact homeostasis via immune modulation.
- Relaxation techniques can be beneficial in maintaining physiological homeostasis by counteracting stress effects.
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