This document is an assignment on psychoneuroimmunology submitted by a group of students. It includes an introduction defining psychoneuroimmunology as the study of the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and immune system. It then covers topics such as the effects of stress on the immune system, the role of the brain and HPA axis in mediating stress responses, and how psychoneuroimmunology relates to diseases like cancer and mental health conditions. References from several sources are provided at the end.

1. Bahauddin Zakariya University Lahore Campus
Department of Biotechnology
Instructor:
Sir Tahir Kamal Khan
Dated:january 5th
2016
Submitted by:
Momal Babar : BSBT-13-F-028
Salman Aslam : BSBT-13-F-029
Iqra NaveedButt: BSBT-13-F-033
Rizwan Abbas : BSBT-13-F-043
Shaista Riaz : BSBT-13-F-51
Assignment of Immunology
Title:
Psycho Neuro Immunology

2. Psyco Neuro Immunology
Table of contents
S.no Title Sub titles Page
A Psychoneuroimmunology
a. Abstract
b. introduction
01
02
B Stress & Immunnology
a. Stress & Stressors
b. Efeects
03
04
C
Psychoneuro immunology
Of stress
a. Hip
b. Allostasis
05
06
D
Diseases a. Cancer
b. Psychological
interventions
8
E
Brain & Immunology a. Description 9
F Example a. HPA axis
10

3. A. Psychoneuroimmunology
a. Abstract
The term Psychoneuroimmunology is a compound word of three words (Pshyco
from Psychology), (Neuro from nervous system0, and immunology (study of
immune system). Psychoneuroimmunology is branch of biological science which
deals with the study of the immunolgical processes and iteraction of nervous
system with the psychological condition of individval.
In another words It is also called psychoendoneuroimmunology (PENI), deals
with the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous
and immune systems of the human body. The field of psychoneuroimmunology
includes investigations of the bidirectional linkages between the central nervous
system, the endocrine system and the immune system, and the clinical implications
of these linkages. Although the direct clinical translation of these important
pathways to patient care is still being developed, this session will incorporate a
case presentation to highlight the clinical relevance of key concepts.
Until 1970, it was thought among the modern Western medical community that
immune system function without any influence from any other parts or functions of
body. Dr. Robert Ader in 1975 coined the term Pyschoneuroimmunology to
show that there exists a link between the way people think and about their health.
A Short assignment on Psychoneuroimmunology is prepaered by mutual
cooperation of group members by collecting the informations via different sources.
The objective of this activity is to full fill the task assigned by Sir Tahir Kamal
khan as assignment of Immunolgy course, and share the informations with
classmates.
The data is collected from different source and its references are given at the end
with sequencewise .
(group leader: Rizwan Abbas)

4. b. Introduction to psychoneuro immunology
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), also called psychoendoneuroimmunology
(PENI), deals with the study of the interaction between psychological processes
and the nervous and immune systems of the human body.
Until 1970, it was thought among the modern Western medical community that
immune system function without any influence from any other parts or functions of
body. Dr. Robert Ader in 1975 coined the term Pyschoneuroimmunology to
show that there exists a link between the way people think and about their health.
For example, if a person is told that they have a dangerous and possibly fatal
disease, they are more likely to become depressed. Psychoneuroimmunology
suggests that this depression can actually lead to more health problems
Research of the late 20th and early 21st century indicates that there is a connection
between strong emotions like fear, rage and anger and the strength of the immune
system.when emotions are not expressed in a proper way there is an excess of
epinephrine which weakens the immune system and causes susceptibility to
disease.
The immune system consists of three different types of cells: T, B, and natural
killer (NK) cells. Collectively, these cells are called as lymphocytes or white blood
cells.The function of T cells is to seek out and destroy cells which are infected
with pathogens they may include different infectious agents like bacteria, viruses,
etc. B cells tends to produce antibodies which attack antigens .T and B cells are
both "antigen specific they only perform their action when they have encountered
a specific type of antigen. NK cells do not need an antigen as a trigger for action.
NK cells are continuously surveying our bodies to help keep us safe. When they
encounter an antigen, they kill it; thus, the name "natural killer" cell.
We need a strong immune response to be healthy and get rid of different
infections.Different events or factors weaken our immune system such as the death
of a loved one, severe abuse or trauma, marital separation, social failures, social
isolation, or long-term caregiving.
Chronic stressors that last over periods of one or more years compromise immune
function,it may lead to an increased risk of developing physical illnesses which
creates an increased likelihood of becoming depressed. In humans, chronic stress
influences the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitter systems,
in those people who are socially isolated or have poor coping skills.

5. A research suggests that stress may leads to decline in the rate of formation of new
neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus which is the part of brain. Autopsy
evidence suggests that depressed people who experienced chronic stress and
committed suicide showed reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus. While those
depressed people who took antidepressants or received electroshock therapy both
show increased neurogenesis.
Stress, Psychology and immunity
Stress and stressors
In a biological system stress is defined as a mental or emotional strain /tension
resulting from diverse conditions. It is a specific responseby the body to a stimulus
that disturbs or interferes with normal physiological equilibrium/ homeostasis tic
conditions. In simple words it is the Psychological, physical or anatomical
disturbance due to changing situation round them.
stressor are foreign, internal /conditional agent or factor which is responsible for
inducing stress. It may include a biological agent i.e. microbe, chemical agent or
physiological condition act as stimulus for inducing stress. Stressors can be real,
imagined, internal or external Physical/environmental.
Stress and Immune system
Stress is non homeostatic condition of a biological system . No one is immune
from stress. Stress is linked to disease through three pathways which are as
follows.
 direct physiological effects (elevated catecholamines,cortisol)
 changes in health behaviors (e.g. drinking more), and
 changes in medical utilization/adherence.
Effects of Stress
Stress may be short timed or prolonged due to different circumstances.Short time
stress for example anxiety . When stress is prolonged or unrelenting, it becomes
known as chronic stress. It has many side effects. It induce many diseases known
as stress mediated immune diseases (SMID). Apart from the environmental agents,
psychosocial factors play an important role in deteriorating the immune system to
such an extent that it looses the recognition and distinction between antigen and the
body organs . This results in mistaken attack on healthy tissues or organs similar to
antigens. This is referred to as autoimmunedisease (A.I.D.). The diseases that are

6. originated by the induction of bacteria, virus, etc., are said to be Communicable
Diseases (CD) and diseases by internal factors referred to as Non Communicable
Diseases (NCD) like diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Chronic stress results in high levels of cortisol and other corticosteroids circulating
in the blood for a long period of time. While there are few side effects from short
term exposure to these hormones, over the long term mental and physical damage
may occur. People who suffer from chronic or long term stress can experi
ence symptoms like anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
Immune system Function Against stress
The immune system is the body’s form of defense. It is comprised of organs,
tissues, cells and cell products that all work together to fight harmful substances
like the pathogens that cause infection and disease. There are two main ways that
stress has a direct, negative effect on the immune system:
 It creates chronic inflammatory conditions
 It lowers the immunity of those who otherwise might have a healthy immune
system.
Psychoneuro immunology of stress
The brain is the master controller of the nervous, endocrine, and immune
system,However, the brain is also a target for these systems subject to both pr
otection and damage .
Human Information Processing (HIP)
The Human Information Processing (HIP) is defined as a methodology of
neuropsychology to understand the cortical aspects of stimulus information
processing. HIP consists of five steps viz, detection of stimulus, decision, memory
(updating of information) and reaction time or motor response, which describes the
processing of automatic functional response.
Allostasis
According to McEwen & Wingfield Allostasis is the main process of maintaining
stability, or homeostasis, through physiological or psychological change. This can
be carried out by means of alteration in HPA axis hormones, the autonomic
nervous system, cytokines, or a number of other systems.The concept of allostasis
was proposed by Sterling and Eyer in 1988 to describe an additional process of
reestablishing homeostasis, which is gained by competing and adapting the

7. conditions as detection of stimulus, decision, memory (updating of information)
and reaction time or motor response, and adaptations.
Regulations.
 The mechanism of regulation and maintenance against stress and
psychological disturbance are carried under CNS eg HPA axis and PNS.The
harmones play important role in it.
 Inflammation process brings immune cells into a damaged area of the body
(e.g. cuts) so they can destroy foreign cells:
 Cytokines – released by immune cells and regulate immune responses
 Pro-inflammatory Cytokines (PIC) from Macrophages coordinate
inflammatory responses in body –
 Tumor Necrosis Factor kills tumors and Produce IL-1 which leads to IL-2
 Cytokines are regulators of host responses to infection, immune responses,
inflammation, and trauma.
 Some cytokines act to make disease worse over time (proinflammatory),
whereas others serve to reduce inflammation and promote healing (anti-
inflammatory).
 Glucocorticoids regulate behaviors that control energy input and expenditure
Relaxation from Stress. A prescription
Nowadays Psychologist and doctors prescribe the yogic exercises to patient suffering
from psychological stress to get relaxed. Such similar psychological state are attributed to
the endorphin secretion and the parasympathetic actions of ANS on neuro-muscular
functions .These endorphins are known to conserve bodily resources and energy. This first
line of action suggests the possible role of CNS in secreting endorphin through yogic
exercises.
The second line of action is endorphin secretion according to reflex hypothesis of
Gordienko produces antibodies , which favours increase in breath regulation. It is
responsible for providing maximum concentration of Oxygen demand.

8. Psycho Neuro Immunology & Diseases
Psychoneuroimmunology plays a very important role in research of mechanism
and treatment of different diseases . It is the study of the interaction between
psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body
for different diseases.
Psychoneuroimmunology and cancer
It gives us an idea about effect of psychological and behavioural factors on
Progression of cancer and Treatment of cancer . It impact on Nk cells activity.
Distress or depression is associated with three important processes for
carcinogesis
1) poorer repair of demaged DNA
2) Altrlerations in apoptosis
HPA axis: hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal axis which
regulates body processes
including digestion, immune
system, mood/sexuality, energy
usage
Regulates hormone levels and
maintains homeostasis

9. 3)Increase in sister chromatid exchange
4)NK cells plys a important role in surveillance of tumor cells ..stress
downregulate NK cells Thus,increase the progression of cancer.By implementing a
narrative psychological therapy cancer is controlled.
Effects of psychological interventions.
Psychological interventions increases the funtion of immune system through
different mechanisms.
1) relaxations therapy increase the activity of NK cells
• Weekly supportive group therapy with self hypnosis can improve pain of
advanced disease thus increases the survival of cancer patients.
Clinical interventions.
Therapeutic interventions such as hypnosis, psychotherapy, and stress management
techniques have demonstrated benefits in alleviating symptoms of chronic illnesses
such as cancer, and latent viral infections such as herpes. Immunological changes
are also documented as a result of these interventions.
Women with breast cancer have seen extended survival rates as a result of
participation in group therapy or self hypnosis.
However, it is important to note that direct associations are difficult to observe as a
result of confounding factors such as changes in diet, lifestyle, and medical
treatments.
Some of the processes includes
 Coginative Behavior Therapy,
 Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy.

10. Brain Psyconeuroimmunology:
The central nervous system and the Immune system are two extremely complex
and highly adaptive systems. The communication b/w these two systems is well
tuned and balanced. “the study of the interaction b/w psychological factors, the
central nervous system and immune system as modulated by the
neuroendocrine system”
Maier, a professor of psychology study about the ‘non-specific Immune
response’ the body’s rapid first line of defense against infection. This non-
specific immune system is alo called as sickness response because it includes
fever, reduced sexual activity and increased anxiety. According to him, the
sickness pattern is attempt to produce energy for fighting infection. The first
step was how’s the brain knows there’s an infection. Immune cells called
macrophages which are first on scene of any infection create pro inflammatory
molecules and experiments shows that they act inside the brain. When he
inactivate these cytokines animals show no sign of sickness and if he
administered these molecules to the brain, the animals show all the signs of
infections.
But Maier and his colleagues found, it’s not the cytokines that tell the brain that
you are sick. It’s the vagus nerve which delivers the message to the brain.
How does the body translate a blood borne signal to the neural signal? There
are pockets of neurotransmitters called paraganglia sitting along the vagus. “So,
the way this all works is really clever,” Maier explained “ your macrophage
chews on bacteria, it releases interleukin-1 into the neighbouring space, the
interleukin-1 binds to the receptors on the paraganglia which sends
neurotransmitters to activate the vagus nerve which sends a signal to the brain.
The signal triggers the brain to make it’s own interleukin-1 and that sets off the
sickness response and sends signals back to the immune system, further
activating the immune cells.” So, we have a complete bidirectional immune-to-
brain circuit.

11. HPA Axis:
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex set of direct influences
and feedback interactions among three endocrine glands: the hypothalamus, the
pituitary and adrenal glands.
The intereactions among these organs constitute the HPA axis a major part of
neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body
processes including digestion, the immune system mood and emotions,
sexuality and energy storage and expenditure.
HPA axis helps to deliver adrenaline to our neurobiological system.

12. References.
|The data is collected from th following sources.
A. http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec01/anewtake.html
a. https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/biology-of-depression-
psychoneuroimmunology/
B. Kinser PA. Therapeutic placebo effect: A mind/body connection.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web1/Kinser.html
C. Kinser P. Psychoneuroimmunology and natural healing by the brain.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web2/Kinser.html
D. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoneuroimmunology
E. http://www.studentbmj.com/back_issues/0402/education/97.html
F. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro00/web1/Wachterman.html
G. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgZ91j4auLo
The End