Main description:

For many years, the immune and central nervous systems were thought to function independently with little or no interaction between the two. This view has und- gone dramatic changes over the past three decades. Indeed, we now know that there exists various feedback loops between the brain and immune systems that impact signi cantly upon different behavioral processes, including normal behavior and mental disorders. Pioneering efforts in generating this change were initiated by a number of early investigators. Included were those whose efforts were directed at establishing neuroimmune connections as well as others whose research focused upon the relationship between immunity, cytokines, and behavior. This book brings together outstanding scientists and clinicians who have made major contributions to the rapidly developing eld investigating the relationship between immunity and behavior. The book is divided into three parts. The rst part describes pathways by which the brain and immune systems communicate and int- act with each other. In the chapter "Cytokines and the Blood-Brain Barrier" p- vides insight into interactions between the blood-brain barrier and cytokines. Such interactions underlie basic communication between the immune system and brain that are present in normal as well as in disease conditions. In the chapter "Neu- chemical and Endocrine Responses to Immune Activation: The Role of Cytokines," the neurochemical and endocrine consequences of immune challenge and cytokine administration on central neurotransmitter activity are discussed.

Contents:

Neuroimmune Interactions.- Cytokines and the Blood-Brain Barrier.- Neurochemical and Endocrine Responses to Immune Activation: the Role of Cytokines.- Neural Pathways Mediating Behavioral Changes Associated with Immunological Challenge.- Molecular Basis of Cytokine Function.- Interferon-?, Molecular Signaling Pathways and Behavior.- Exercise and Stress Resistance: Neural-Immune Mechanisms.- Neuroimmunological Basis of Behavior.- Alteration of Neurodevelopment and behavior by Maternal Immune Activation.- Interleukin-2 and Septohippocampal Neurons: Neurodevelopment and Autoimmunity.- Cytokine-Induced Sickness Behavior and Depression.- Effect of Systemic Challenge with Bacterial Toxins on Behaviors Relevant to Mood, Anxiety and Cognition.- Cytokines, Immunity and Sleep.- Cytokines and Aggressive Behavior.- Neurochemical and Behavioral Changes Induced by Interleukin-2 and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptors.- Neuroimmunological Basis of Mental Disorders.- Immunity and Depression: A Clinical Perspective.- Cytokines, Immunity and Schizophrenia with Emphasis on Underlying Neurochemical Mechanisms.- Immunobiological and Neural Substrates of Cancer-Related Neurocognitive Deficits.- Autoimmunity and Brain Dysfunction.- Viruses and Psychiatric Disorders.- Microglial Cells and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Aged Brain.