Chemical Sympathectomy, as well as manipulation of the autonomic nervous system, is known to alter lymphocyte dependent immunity.
The stress induced by autonomic dysregulation after SCI, and especially by episodes of autonomic dysreflexia, may well be an important cause of immune suppression in this group.
Neurologic events are known to affect immunologic function indirectly, through the pituitary adrenal axis, and through endocrine and neuropeptide regulation. Stress induces the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the pituitary. This induces the release of immuno-suppressive glucocorticoids. In addition, the adrenal medulla releases catecholamines that alter leukocyte migration and lymphocyte responsiveness. Other hormones, including insulin, thyroxin, growth hormones, samostatin, and the sex hormones modulate T- and B-cell functions in complex ways. A number of abnormalities in endocrine function accompany SCI. Abnormal endocrine physiology involving sex hormones, aldosterone, catecholamines, and methylhydroxymandelic acid have been described.
Spinal Cord Medicine: Principles and Practice Spinal Cord Medicine: Principles and practiceby Vernon W. Lin, Diana D. Cardenas, Nancy C., MD Cutter,
Published by Demos Medical Publishing, LLC. 2002