MODULATION OF IMMUNE CELL-FUNCTION BY THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS-SYSTEM

This review discusses some of the major findings implicating the auton omic nervous system in the regulation of immune function. The sympathe tic nervous system, the primary focus of this line of research, direct ly innervates the major lymphoid organs, and physiological release of sympathetic neurohormones at these sites has been documented. Leukocyt es have been shown to express receptors for catecholamines, as well as neuropeptide Y, and studies in vitro and in vivo have indicated that occupation of these receptors by the appropriate ligands produces func tional changes in immunological cells. Finally, altered sympathetic re gulation may underlie some of the immunological abnormalities observed in chronic stress, clinical depression, and ageing. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.