There is an intimate connection between the immune system and the nervous system. This makes sense because both play a role in systemic homeostasis. For example inflammation can be triggered by CNS stimulation. An electro-chemical signal starts in the CNS and is propagated into the periphery through sensory C-fibers. These nerves release substance P which cause the release of histamine from mast cells. Chemicals, physical touch, and emotional stress can all trigger the release of substance P. Beyond the hormonal connection there may be a direct synaptic connection. There is evidence of a Neuro-Immune synapse. These NI synapses are between axon terminals and immunocompetent cells such as mast cells, T-cells, and macrophages. These synapses are still under investigation but they appear to participate in cross talk between the nervous system and the immune system. So if your stress’n out find a quiet place and get your zen on, your body will appreciate it.
-Randy
P.S. Below is a pretty cool article if your into that sort of thing.
Citation:
Nakanishi M, FurunoT. Molecular basis of neuroimmune interaction in an in
vitro coculture approach. Cell Mol Immunol. 2008Aug;5(4):249-59.
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Different types of stress can affect our immune system in different ways. The immune system can boosted or suppressed depending on if we are experiencing short-term or chronic long-term stress. Short-term stressors boost the immune system because it has been suggested that the fight-or-flight response prompts the immune system to ready itself for infections resulting from bites, punctures, scrapes or other challenges to the integrity of the body. On the otehr hand, the longer the stress the more the immune system shifts away from the fight-or flight response to more negative changes, first at the cellular level and later in broader immune function. The most chronic stressors – stress that seems beyond a person's control or seems endless – resulted in the most global suppression of immunity.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this theory in action. I have an aunt that has really bad CD, she used to have frequent flare ups until I asked her to start practicing yoga with me. Within about 8 months of practice, she had fewer flare ups. Now I don’t want to explain her improvement of health just by the fact that she started practicing yoga, but the amount of stress in her life had also decreased over those few months as well. I think that this decrease in stress is what really had an effect on the state of her health, it’s not tested or proven by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a good observation that a little “zen” does a body good.
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