Brain Interferes in the Immune System
The autonomic nervous system sends nerves into tissues that form or store the cells of the Immune System and eventually enter the circulation. Furthermore, tissue of the immune system turns out to be sensitive to (that is, it has receptors for) all the interesting hormones released by the pituitary under the control of the brain. The result is that the brain has a vast potential for sticking its nose into the immune system’s business. (Location 2382)
⇒ The Autonomic Nervous System and the Ancient Core Regions of the Brain
take some professional actors and have them spend a day doing either a depressing negative scene, or an uplifting euphoric one. Those in the former state show decreased immune responsiveness, while those in the latter manifest an increase. (Location 2388)
Give an animal a drug that suppresses the immune system. Along with it, provide, à la Pavlov’s experiments, a “conditioned stimulus”—for example, an artificially flavored drink, something that the animal will associate with the suppressive drug. A few days later, present the conditioned stimulus by itself—and down goes immune function. (Location 2391)
⇒ Classical Conditioning
if the sight of an artificial rose or the taste of an artificially flavored drink can alter immune function, then stress can, too. (Location 2399)
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Tags: neurobiology science
Superlink: 051 ☣Neurobiology 050 🧠Neuroscience, 091 🏃Body and Medicine -
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Created: 08-09-22 13:26