Exercise immunology: neuroendocrine regulation of NK-cells.

• Natural immunity, including that of the natural killer (NK) cells, is strongly influenced by physical exercise, but the physiological significance of the reported changes in NK cells after exercise training is as yet unclear. The exercise effect is likely mediated by interactions between the central nervous and endocrine systems. Chronic activation of endogenous opioid systems augments natural cytotoxicity. We have investigated the possible involvement of opioids in the exercise-induced enhancement of NK cell function. The pathways by which the central nervous system may communicate with the periphery include neuroendocrine outflow via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through direct nerve fiber connections with cells or the organs of the immune system. This review will discuss the role of various neuroendocrine factors such as growth hormone, catecholamines and glucocorticoids and the role of the ANS, in particular the sympathetic division, in modulating NK cell function in response to exercise.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Afferent Pathways

immunology

Animals

Exercise

physiology

Humans

Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System

immunology

Immunity

Natural

immunology

physiology

Killer Cells

Natural

immunology

physiology

Neuroimmunomodulation

physiology

Opioid Peptides

immunology

Pituitary-Adrenal System

immunology

Rats

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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