Cytokines regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes in the central nervous system (CNS), i.e. they function both as immune regulators and neuromodulators. Acting upon the CNS via different ways, cytokines, mainly proinflammatory ones /L-1β and TNF-α, can disturb physiological functions of the CNS, cause neurotoxic and neurodegenerative damage and stimulate IL-1 βsynthesis in hypothalamus nuclei and posterior pituitary. They can produce stress-like effects upon the CNS and affect the activity of the axis hypothalamus - pituitary - adrenal glands, levels of neuropeptides in hypothalamic regions of brain, synthesis and utilization of central monoamines. These influences can implement the effects of sensitization, which enhances neuroendocrine responses to later stresses. Microglia and astrocytes, secondary messengers and interaction between hypothalamus and anterior pituitary play an important role in range of these processes as well as in the maintenance of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Translated title of the contributionЦитокины как медиаторы нейроиммунных взаимодействий
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-27
Number of pages3
JournalUspekhi Fiziologicheskikh Nauk
Volume37
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2006

    Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

ID: 41855057