Concetto di stress e ruolo del corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) ipotalamico ed extraipotalamico nell'integrazione della risposta neuroendocrina ed immunitaria. Aspetti clinici e sperimentali.

Several evidences suggest the existence of a bidirectional link between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. This relationship explains how a "non cognitive" stimulus (as antigen) can activate the neuroendocrine axis through the inflammatory substances (cytokines) in the same manner as a stress response. A disregulation of this response can determine the basis for a pathological situation. The key-peptide of the stress response is hypothalamic CRF, though also extra-hypothalamic sources, such as the cells of the immune system, are present and could play an important role in the peripheral regulation of stress response.