Evidence from a variety of sources supports the notion that stress and emotional distress may relate to dysfunction and hypofunction of the immunologic system. We have experimental evidence that some forms of stress reduce primary and secondary antibody response to low dose antigen stimulation in rats and that adult immunologic responsivity may be altered by early infantile experience. Mixed-sex group housing at high male-female ratios increases severity of adjuvant-induced arthritis in the male rat. Graft-versus-host reactions are diminished by food-limitation stress to recipient animals. Sex segregated group-housed mice show larger murine virus-induced sarcomas when inoculated at 6 and 9 months of age than males housed individually with two or more females. Electric shock stress for 3 days prior to inoculation with virus reduces incidence and size of MSV tumors, while shock administered 3 days following inoculation increases tumor size. Female mice that develop spontaneous fighting behavior show significantly greater resistance to MSV tumors. Acutely ill schizophrenic patients with relatively high levels of IgA and IgG have a poorer short-term prognosis. Electrolytic lesions of the ventromedial and posterior nuclei of the hypothalamus of recipient and possibly also of donor animals impair the GVH reaction. Our experimental findings suggest that stress and central nervous system lesions affect thymus-derived lymphocytes (T-cells) and play a role in cell-cell interaction or the release of mediators from reacting lymphocytes. Ultimately, we may find that stress affects the macrophage, a hormone-sensitive cell that plays a role in afferent, central and efferent limbs of the immune system.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1974 S. Karger AG, Basel
1974
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.