Stress, Stress Hormones and the Immune System Book

The influence of our emotions on the fine balance between health and disease has been observed since the second century. Only recently, however, has the interplay between the neuroendocrine and immune system and its importance in coordinating host—defence mechanisms been appreciated. This has far reaching implications in organic and psychological medicine. The stress hormones have a critical role in maintaining bodily homeostasis in the face of an ever-changing external and emotional environment. If present at raised levels for prolonged periods these hormones become immunosuppressive, thus predisposing an individual to a variety of diseases, including infection, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disease and cancer. Stress, Stress Hormones and the Immune SystemLays down the foundations for understanding the basic concepts of the neuroendocrine, autonomic and immune systemsDiscusses the methods available for measuring the functional status of these systems and the behavioural responses to stressInvestigates the functional interplay between stress hormones and the immune systemProvides a clear understanding of the principles and implications of neuroendocrine—immune communicationThis volume is essential reading for all those in the medical and scientific community with an interest in neuroendocrinology, immunology and psychoneuroimmunology.Read More