Neuroendocrine System and Immune Functions

There is abundant empirical evidence that immunocompetent cells are influenced by substances of the neuroendocrine system (reviewed by Ader, Felten, & Cohen, 1991; Besedovsky & del Rey, 1996; Madden & Felten, 1995). This chapter describes a selection of hormones, neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides that can be detected in peripheral blood and/or in the tissue and that are known to affect immunocompetent cells.