Many studies have demonstrated that ablation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) alters subsequent immune responses. Researchers have presumed that the altered immune responses are predominantly the result of the peripheral phenomenon of denervation. We, however, hypothesized that chemical sympathectomy will signal and activate the central nervous system (CNS).
Dual-antigen labeling demonstrates that
corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF)-containing neurons in the PVN are
activated by chemical sympathectomy; however, neurons containing
neurotransmitters which may modulate CRF neurons, such as vasopressin,
tyrosine hydroxylase, and adrenocorticotropin, do not coexpress Fos. Our
findings suggest an involvement of the CNS insympathectomy-induced
alterations of immunity.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 1998, Pages 230-241