Sexual dimorphism of neuroendocrine-immune interactions

Abstract

In the bidirectional interplay between the immune and endocrine systems, the communications most deeply investigated up to now have been those between the immuhC:and the hypothalamo-pituita~y-adrenal (HPA) and the HP-gonadal (HPG) [for review see, axes. For instance, mitogen/antigen-activated immune cells secrete cytokines; in turn, these substances are able to stimulate the hypothalamus thus inducing the activation of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRR)-ergic function . Once the eRR neuronal system has been activated, this peptide is able to locally (centrally) inhibit the HPG axis function [for references see, and, via the corticotrope cells, to stimulate HPA axis function . Evidence indicates that gonadal steroids modulate immunological function . Our findings and those of other researchers suggest that while estrogens enhance the immune response , androgens inhibit it and that gonadectomyalters this response.