Stress-Response
Acute Stress Response: Nonspecific & Specific Defense Mechanisms
stress hormones also limit activation of the immune system that occurs during an infection
- an infection which activates the immune system will also activate the HPA axis (secretion of glucocorticoids)
- glucocorticoids, act in part, to inhibit the synthesis and release of various interleukin molecules as well as the synthesis of their receptors
- effect: limited proliferation of nonspecific defense mechanisms--NK cells and macrophages, and limited proliferation of specific defense mechanisms--humoral- and cell-mediated immunity
immune system activates the HPA axis which acts to inhibit the immune system
why?
- adaptive significance: may protect the body from becoming too active and possibly attacking self (autoimmune disease)