Peptide hormones shared by the neuroendocrine and immunologic systems

While numerous studies have demonstrated that the neuroendocrine system can control immune functions, it is only now becoming apparent that the control is reciprocal in that the immune system can control neuroendocrine functions. In this paper, recent studies which seem to provide a molecular basis for this bidirectional communication are reviewed. These studies suggest that the immune and neuroendocrine systems represent a totally integrated circuit by virtue of sharing a common set of hormones, such as corticotropin, thyrotropin, and endorphins, and their receptors. Possible hypothalamic and immunologic controls of this circuitry are discussed.