"NEUROENDOCRINE-IMMUNE INTERACTION IN THE WHITE ALBINO RAT, RATTUS R ATTUS AND MICE, MUS MUSCULUS."

Abstract

Neuroendocrine immunology is a rapidly expanding field, uncovering numerous bilateral interactions between the immune system and neuroendocrine circuits. Various hormones, act in concert, to modulate cells of immune system. Conversely, the immune system affects the endocrine system, bringing about an array of hormonal changes.

The present study investigated, under laboratory conditions, the influence of hormonal replacement before and after performing some surgical operations, as well as, the effect of different kinds of stressors on the distribution of lymphocytes and macrophages in lymphoid organs of white rats and mice.

. The parameters studied were:

1) Determination of the growth and involution of lymphoid organs.

2) Harvesting of lymphocytes and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from lymphoid tissues and peritoneal fluid.

3) Radioimmunoassay of corticosterone levels.

4) RNA extraction and cytokine gene expressiOn and production using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

S) Analysis of thymocyte subpopulations using fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analyzer.

The present study elucidated the following results:

- Hypophysectomy produced a significant reduction of both lymphoid organ weight and lymphoid cell count of rats. The most affected organs were Thy, MLN, PLN and Sp, in addition to PBL (P< 0.05).