Bidirectional regulatory circuit between the immune and neuroendocrine systems.

The immune system and the neuroendocrine system affect each other via molecules and receptors shared by both systems. Activation of the neuroendocrine system results in a generalized alteration in host homeostasis and immune response. The interaction appears to be a complete circuit in that products of the immune system can also modulate nervous and neuroendocrine system responses. Since different hormones/soluble mediators are produced by neuroendocrine and immune cells, the particular alteration is a function of the induction stimulus.