PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY OF AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

The interactions between the immune system and psychological states ar e both intricate and intriguing, Research at a molecular level has thr own considerable light on the previously ill-defined area of psychoneu roimmunology. In this report, we explore the psychoneuroimmunology of autoimmune disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and lupus eryt hematosus. Animal models of these diseases have provided a particularl y useful window on complex psychoneuroimmunological interactions. Obse rvations about the effect of stress on the onset and course of autoimm une disorders has added to our understanding of psychoneuroimmunologic al interactions. These interactions are bi-directional, as reflected i n the autoimmune-mediated neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus. Exploring the role of various neurotransmitters and neuromodula tors in the stress response may have important therapeutic implication s for autoimmune disorders. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd