Immune Function and Psychological Stress.
Abstract
One of the more exciting prospects hypothesized as a major mechanism for translating psychological stress into subsequent illness is the immune system. An important aspect of the immune system that plays a key role in the body's resistance by foreign agents, the secretory immune system (SIS) is focused upon. The SIS bathes the body's mucous membranes with secretions containing immunoglobulins. The predominant immunogloblin of the SIS is IgA, although smaller amounts of IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE are also present. IgA's major mechanism of action in secretory fluids seems to be through its ability to bind to foreign bacteria and viruses, preventing their adherence to the mucosal tissue of the host. Functionally, the SIS, and IgA in particular, is believed to act as the body's first line of defense against infections. A major aim of this research was to attempt to replicate McClelland's work concerning the relationship between stress and total IgA and to compare these results with those produced by the effects of stress on IgA antibody levels in response to a specific antigen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174145
Entities
People
- Arthur A. Stone
- Donald S. Cox
- J. M. Neale
Organizations
- Stony Brook University