Effect of serotonin deficiency on the immune system development in the rat.

摘要

According to modern notion, the neuroendocrine control of immune system functions is initiated as early as in prenatal ontogeny and is exercised throughout the life span [1–3]. However, in early ontogeny, in contrast to the late postnatal period, the neuroendocrine system fulfills not only regulatory but also morphogenetic functions both within the central nervous system and in peripheral organs [4–6]. The main signal molecules in these interactions are neuromediators and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis [7]. The development of various fetal tissues is regulated by various compounds including serotonin. It is known that serotonin is involved in gastrulation and neurulation as well as morphogenetic influence on the formation of visceral cranium and heart in mammals [8]. In the postnatal period, serotonin regulates T-cell differentiation and the activity of T helpers, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killers producing pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines [9].