Psycho neuro immunology

Psycho neuro immunology
by Rizwan Abbas Baho

1. Psycho Neuroimmunology

2. Introduction Psychoneuroimmunology  ( PNI ), also called psychoendoneuroimmunology  ( PENI ), deals with the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body. Until 1970, it was thought  among the modern Western medical community that immune system function without any influence from any other parts or functions of body . Dr. Robert Ader in 1975 coined the term Pyschoneuroimmunology to show that there exists a link between the way people think and about their health.

3. Example  For example, if a person is told that they have a dangerous and possibly fatal disease, they are more likely to become depressed. Psycho neuroimmunology suggests that this depression can actually lead to more health problems Research of the late 20th and early 21st century indicates that there is a connection between strong emotions like fear, rage and anger and the strength of the immune system . when emotions are not expressed in a proper way  there is an excess of epinephrine which weakens the immune system and causes susceptibility to disease.

4. Components of Immune system The immune system consists of three different types of cells: T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells. Collectively, these cells are called as lymphocytes or white blood cells . The function of T cells is to seek out and destroy cells which are infected with pathogens they may include different infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, etc. B cells tends to produce antibodies which attack antigens . . NK cells do not need an antigen as a trigger for action. NK cells are continuously surveying our bodies to help keep us safe. When they encounter an antigen, they kill it; thus, the name "natural killer" cell.

5. We need a strong immune response to be healthy and get rid of different infections.Different events or factors weaken our immune system such as the death of a loved one, severe abuse or trauma, marital separation, social failures, social isolation. Chronic stressors that last over periods of one or more years compromise immune function,it may lead to an increased risk of developing physical illnesses which creates an increased likelihood of becoming depressed. In humans, chronic stress influences the serotonin, norepinephrine , and dopamine neurotransmitter systems, in those people who are socially isolated or have poor coping skills.

6. A research suggests that stress may leads to decline in the rate of formation of new neurons ( neurogenesis ) in the hippocampus which is the part of brain . Autopsy evidence suggests that depressed people who experienced chronic stress and committed suicide showed reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus. While those depressed people who took antidepressants or received electroshock therapy both show increased neurogenesis .

7. Psychoneuroimmunology and diseases Psychoneuroimmunology plays a very important role in research of mechanism and treatment of different diseases It is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body for different diseases

8. Psychoneuroimmunology and cancer It gives us an idea about effect of psychological and behavioural factors on Progression of cancer Treatment of cancer

9. Stress and cancer Distress or depression is associated with three important processes for carcinogesis 1) poorer repair of demaged DNA 2) Altrlerations in apoptosis 3)Increase in sister chromatid exchange 4)NK cells plys a important role in surveillance of tumor cells ..stress down regulate NK cells Thus,increase the progression of cancer

10. Effect of psychological interventions Psychological interventions increases the funtion of immune system through different mechanisms. 1) relaxations therapy increase the activity of NK cells Weekly supportive group therapy with self hypnosis can improve pain of advanced disease thus increases the survival of cancer patients.

11. Stress and immune system A specific response by the body to a stimulus that disturbs or interferes with normal physiological equilibrium/homeostasis. It is state of emotional or mental disturbance caused by factors known as stressors Stressors include, Biological agent, Physiological or chemical agent

12. Causes of stress Stress is linked to disease through 3 pathways: direct physiological effects (elevated catechol amines,cortisol ) changes in health behaviors (e.g. drinking more), and changes in medical utilization/adherence.

13. Stress and Immune system Stress is non homeostatic condition within a biological system . No one is immune from stress. Stressors lead to loss of immune function. It yield diseases like SMIDS and NCDs, which may be short term or prolonged. for example, Dementia, Depression

14. Immunologic functions The brain is the master controller of the nervous, endocrine, and immune system However, the brain is also a target for these systems subject to both protection and damage . PNS , ANS functions against stressors. HPA axis activates.(Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal Axis)

15. Immunologic functions Human Information Processing (HIP) The Human Information Processing (HIP) is defined as a methodology of neuropsychology to understand the stimulus information processing. detection of stimulus, decision, memory (updating of information) and motor response, which describes the processing of automatic functional response. Allostasis ( Eyre in 1988 ) It is process of maintaining stability, or homeostasis, through physiological or psychological change. This can be carried out by means of alteration in HPA axis hormones, the autonomic nervous system, cytokines. If function with help of endocrine system and adapting changes within body.

16. Regulations ANS Stressor  Adrenal glands secrete adrenaline Sympathetic Physiological response Heart rate increases Breathing increases Perspiration Endocrine system Stressor triggers Hypothalamus which stimulates Pituitary gland  ACTH Adrenal glands Produce adrenaline and gluco corticoids  Physiological response

17. Brain Psycho neuroimmunology The central nervous system and the Immune system are two extremely complex and highly adaptive systems. The communication b/w these two systems is well tuned and balanced. “the study of the interaction b/w psychological factors, the central nervous system and immune system as modulated by the neuroendocrine system”

18. Maier, a professor of psychology study about the ‘non-specific Immune response’ the body’s rapid first line of defense against infection. This non-specific immune system is alo called as sickness response because it includes fever, reduced sexual activity and increased anxiety. According to him, the sickness pattern is attempt to produce energy for fighting infection. The first step was how’s the brain knows there’s an infection. Immune cells called macrophages which are first on scene of any infection create pro inflammatory molecules and experiments shows that they act inside the brain. When he inactivate these cytokines animals show no sign of sickness and if he administered these molecules to the brain, the animals show all the signs of infections.

19. HPA Axis The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex set of direct influences and feedback interactions among three endocrine glands: the hypothalamus, the pituitary and adrenal glands.

20. Thanks