Glucocorticoid programming of neuroimmune function
Abstract
Throughout life physiological systems strive to maintain homeostasis and these systems are susceptible to exposure to maternal or environmental perturbations, particularly during embryonic development. In some cases, these perturbations may influence genetic and physiological processes that permanently alter the functioning of these physiological systems; a process known as developmental programming. In recent years, the neuroimmune system has garnered attention for its fundamental interactions with key hormonal systems, such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The ultimate product of this axis, the glucocorticoid hormones, play a key role in modulating immune responses within the periphery and the CNS as part of the physiological stress response. It is well-established that elevated glucocorticoids induced by developmental stress exert profound short and long-term physiological effects, yet there is relatively little information of how these effects are manifested within the neuroimmune system. Pre and post-natal periods are prime candidates for manipulation in order to uncover the physiological mechanisms that underlie glucocorticoid programming of neuroimmune responses. Understanding the potential programming role of glucocorticoids may be key in uncovering vulnerable windows of CNS susceptibility to stressful experiences during embryonic development and improve our use of glucocorticoids as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Citation
Walker , D J & Spencer , K A 2018 , ' Glucocorticoid programming of neuroimmune function ' , General and Comparative Endocrinology , vol. 256 , pp. 80-88 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.016
Publication
General and Comparative Endocrinology
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0016-6480Type
Journal item
Rights
Crown Copyright © 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Description
Work attributed to the ideas presented within this manuscript was supported by the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK) under the EASTBIO doctoral training program [grant no. BB/J01446X/1], awarded to DJW. KAS was also part funded by a BBSRC grant [no. BB/L002264/1].Collections
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