ROLE OF THE NEUROENDOCRINE SYSTEM IN CYTOKINE PATHWAYS IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

The intestine is a rich venue for interactions between the neuroendocr ine and immune systems. Functional regulation of mucosal immune respon ses can be exerted through local neuroendocrine paths by neuropeptides from the neurons of the enteric nervous system and peptide hormones. Immune regulation can also be exerted through influences in the centra l nervous system activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a nd through the activation of the autonomic nervous system. The integri ty of these systems can alter the outcome of immune-mediated inflammat ion in the gut, The role of these pathways in the regulation of cytoki nes is examined, and the implications for Crohn's disease and ulcerati ve colitis are explored.