Direct Interaction between Autonomic Nerves and the Immune System
Abstract
This project examines interactions between autonomic nerves and the immune system. Noradrenergic sympathetic nerves are present in spleen and lymph nodes, particularly in T cell and macrophage compartments, shown by light and EM immunocytochemistry during the past year. Some nerve terminals form synaptic- like contacts with T lymphocytes in splenic white pulp. Neurochemical studies have shown release and availability of micromolar concentrations of norepinephrine, and an absence of acetylcholine or choline acetyltransferase in spleen, suggesting only noradrenergic and not cholinergic innervation. Following denervation of noradrenergic nerves to spleen and lymph nodes, many immune parameters are altered, including 1 deg and 2 deg antibody responses, mitogen responses, delayed-type hyper-sensitivity responses, B lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxic T cell activity, and NK cell activity. Cold exposure also can lead to altered immune responses. These studies indicate that the noradrenergic nerves innervating spleen and lymph nodes are necessary for immunocompetence and that norepinephrine exerts and immunomodulatory influence. Keywords: Sympathetic nerves, Norepinephrine, Lymphoid organs, T Cells, Macrophages, B Cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188576
Entities
People
- David L. Felten
Organizations
- University of Rochester