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Mechanisms of conditioned immunomodulation
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-3270, USA.
International Journal of Immunopharmacology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
This study reveals that the nervous system influences immune responses through conditioning. Both opioid and adrenergic pathways are involved in these conditioned immunomodulatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Conditioned responses can modulate physiological systems.
- The interplay between the nervous and immune systems is complex.
- Previous research suggests a link between environmental stimuli and immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of physiological systems in conditioned immunomodulation.
- To determine the specific neural pathways involved in immune responses to conditioned stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Administration of opioid antagonist (naltrexone) and beta-adrenergic antagonists (atenolol, ICI-118,551).
- Assessment of Con-A-induced proliferation and natural killer cell activity in splenic lymphocytes.
- Utilizing an aversive conditioned stimulus to elicit physiological responses.
Main Results:
- Naltrexone, but not N-methylnaltrexone, blocked suppressive effects, indicating central opioid involvement.
- Beta-adrenergic antagonists blocked suppressive effects on proliferation but not natural killer cell activity.
- Evidence suggests both opioid and adrenergic systems mediate conditioned immunomodulation.
Conclusions:
- Central opioid activity is implicated in conditioned immunomodulatory effects.
- The adrenergic system contributes to a subset of these conditioned immune changes.
- Both the opioid and sympathetic nervous systems play significant roles in conditioned immunomodulation.