The discipline of neuroimmunomodulation is devoted to interactions between the immune nervous systems at all levels and includes observation on brain, pituitary, peripheral nervous system and immune cells. Nitric oxide synthase is contained within neurons in the brain and modifies behavioural and hormonal responses by acting on other neurons and on release of peptides and other transmitters through activation of guanylate cyclase and cyclooxygenase. Increases in this and in expression of proinflammatory cytokines can contribute to damage in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, meningitis, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.

This volume explores the possible functional significance of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and their receptor expression in human skin. It particularly focuses on the modulation of skin immune and stress responses, and in the pathogenesis of several important skin diseases with a recognized neuroimmunologic component, such as atopic eczema, contact allergy, uticaria, and psoriasis.

The latest data and ideas concerning this rapidly growing field, coming out of laboratories in many countries, are presented in this volume, the proceedings of the First World Congress of the International Society for Neuroimmunomodulation held in May, 1990. Topics include homeostasis and immunity, cellular and molecular neuroimmunology, and psycho-neuro-immunology. Information on NIM as it relates to ageing, neurological and psychiatric disorders, infectious diseases and cancer is included.

Our understanding of the functioning of the brain has grown rapidly over the last decade or two. So has our recognition of the possible role of brain dysfunction in diseases considered earlier to be of peripheral or somatic origin. This culminates naturally in a focus on the nature of the influence of the brain on other systems such as the autonomic, neuroendocrine and immune systems. And we must come full circle and question the nature of the influence of these systems on the function of the brain. Thus, we gain a picture of a complex regulatory interaction, fine tuned in normal circumstances to provide each system with necessary information about the status of the other systems and the basis to respond appropriately to changes in each other. This volume provides the proceedings of the first of a series of international symposia intended to review the state-of-the-art understanding and frontier exploration of the above described interregulatory phenomena, with some emphasis on the relevance of this information to the etiology and treatment of disease. The purpose of this first symposium was to lay the groundwork for this continuing endeavor. To accomplish such a goal required bringing together diverse multidisciplinary professionals - eg neurobiologists, immunol ogists, psychiatrists, cardiologists and students amongst others.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

The second edition of Neuroimmune Pharmacology bridges the disciplines of neuroscience, immunology and pharmacology from the molecular to clinical levels with particular thought made to engage new research directives and clinical modalities. Bringing together the foremost field authorities from around the world, Neuroimmune Pharmacology will serve as an invaluable resource for the basic and applied scientists of the current decade and beyond.

First published in 1990. This important new text covers a wide area of thymology in both the theoretical and practical aspects. In view of current information, a crucial role of endocrine thymus is presented in the creation, maintenance, and senescence of neuro-endocrine-immune homeostasis. In particular, mechanisms are described (which are basically responsible for the T cell maturation and selection) for the hierarchic organization of the immune system and its thymic dependent immune competence in terms of tolerance and immunity. A detailed presentation of the structure and biological properties of a number of well-defined thymic hormones is included. Their clinical applications and results obtained in inherited or acquired immunodeficiencies and in neoplasmic diseases are also reviewed on the grounds of numerous representative clinical trials. A perspective and potential scope of immunorestorative therapy and prevention with thymic hormones and other thymomimetic drugs are outlined. Researchers, practitioners, and students will find this book to be a useful and essential source of information.

With the contribution from more than one hundred CNS neurotrauma experts, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account on the latest developments in the area of neurotrauma including biomarker studies, experimental models, diagnostic methods, and neurotherapeutic intervention strategies in brain injury research. It discusses neurotrauma mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and neurocognitive and neurobehavioral deficits. Also included are medical interventions and recent neurotherapeutics used in the area of brain injury that have been translated to the area of rehabilitation research. In addition, a section is devoted to models of milder CNS injury, including sports injuries.