Signals from nervous system influence immune system, study shows
In a discovery that demonstrates a clear link between the mind and body at a molecular level, scientists have shown that a chemical signal which normally allows nerve cells to communicate with each other -to alter sleep cycles, for example—can also re-direct actions of the immune system.
The research in mice confirms mounting evidence from studies of cultured cells that the nervous system directly influences the immune system.
In the PNAS paper and in the companion paper in the FASEB Journal, the researchers showed that the strength of the VIP signal received by the T cells regulates the balance between two types of immune T cells, Th1 and Th2. Th1 is normally involved with protection from bacterial invasion and other defenses, but Th1 in excess can lead to
autoimmune disorders.
Th2 protects from parasitic infections and autoimmunity, but in
excess can lead to allergies. The researchers discovered the effect of VIP on the Th1/Th2 balance by examining the relative production of the Th cells’ protein products, known as cytokines. When the balance is tipped toward Th1 in knockout mice lacking a critical form of a VIP receptor, allergy is suppressed and resistance to some types of infections is boosted, along with other reactions, they found.
The research did not determine if the impact of the neuropeptide VIP is sufficient to change the course of infections, inflammation or autoimmune disease in which T cells are
involved.
Source: University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Michael Wegmann's Thoughts:
Chiropractors have been using this knowledge for over 100 years. Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.
Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health life style practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune response. According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for Social Research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald et al., 2003), chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function.
Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either. During the 1917?18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic's success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession's licensure in many states.
Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths ?? a loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths ?? one out of 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery.
"These results are not so surprising given what we now know about the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system" stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, WCA Board member and Editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. "Through research we know that chiropractic has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B?lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes."
Source: WCA
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