|
|
|
Immunology — The Bridge Between Two Worlds
It exerts its control by virtue of circulating components capable of acting at sites far removed from their points of origin. Its complexity rivals that of the nervous system, and in fact the similarities between the two are quite real. Cells of the immune system and the nervous system have many hormone receptor sites in common. It is no accident of nature that the thymus gland, the bone marrow, and the lymph nodes – all major centers of immune activity – are bundled in ropes of nerves. The brain is known to transmit both electrical and chemical signals along nerves to stimulate and amplify and modify the immune responses. As the signals stream out from the brain, they often pass warnings from the immune centers flying in the opposite direction. The immune system is not merely a tool manipulated by the brain; it is a sensory organ as well. It transmits chemical messages about bacteria, fungi, viruses, bits of dead tissue, and cancer cells. The wonder of it all is that such organization is possible, with the use of only a few distinct cell types whose members are widely scattered throughout the body. The immune system operates according
to three directives: These immunologic directives are accomplished with but a handful of cells. One cell type is called a macrophage and is like a little PAC man crawling around inside of us looking for something foreign to chomp down on. In doing so, it sends out a biochemical alarm as it recognizes something alien. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of macrophage activity, or the activity of any of the immune system cells, is their ability to distinguish “self” from “non-self.” Through the integrity of the immune system we remain separate from our environment. This inner image of “selfness” or uniqueness carries through to each defensive cell as it works to eliminate cancer cells that arise daily, or virus particles as they penetrate from the outside world. The mechanisms by which this image of self is transmitted and carried out are still largely unknown. We do know the mechanisms exist, and more importantly, that they are subject to change. Macrophages do not bump against a bacterium or other source of food by chance. They migrate from distant corners of the body, zero in on targets that they “know” are alien, and then destroy them. The B and T lymphocytes are a family of cells that co-operate together to respond and produce antibodies and to direct most of the counter-attack by the immune system. They do so magnificently well if they are healthy and in one piece. Both B and T cells are produced in the bone marrow. T cells undergo differentiation as they mature to become the “brains” of the immune system. The differentiation or “training” process is apparently quite strenuous, as more than half of the T cells will die and be absorbed by other amoeboid cells before they can reenter the circulatory system. As the cells differentiate, new proteins can be detected on their surfaces, which is a result of a shift in their genetic expression. These proteins are related to the specialized function of the mature lymphocyte. Once stimulated and directed by the T cells, thousands upon thousands of B cells start making just one kind of antibody, one tailor-made for a specific target. Other B cells may transform into what are called memory cells. Their job is to forever keep a sort of antibody blueprint in wide circulation. If the offending organism should reappear, antibodies will not be far behind as they fulfill the third immunologic directive which is to remember. During their lifetime, the cells of the immune system, based upon their experiences and exposures can change their cell surface antigens and their role in the immune response. More than any other organ or system in our body, the immune system is a dynamic system that can change. Like many other cells in our body, the cells of the immune system can be changed from the outside by drugs – Prednisone, Methotrexate, Humira, Remicade, and Plaquenil can suppress the immune system and thus, at least temporarily, help with certain inflammatory diseases, but they don’t heal or redirect the immune response.However, from the inside many more options become possible. On the surface of the cells of the immune system are receptors for all of the same hormones that work in and on the nervous system. It’s not just GABA, Adrenalin, Serotonin, Thyroid, Testosterone and DHEA that can affect the functioning of our immune system. While we can’t feel the ebb and flow of our immune function, as our consciousness changes so does our immunologic activity. As well documented by Dr. Steven Locke, ANY prolonged change in our consciousness will cause a change in our immune function, more than in any other organ system in our body. The Immune System maintains the boundary between what is the “essence” of each of us from the dangers of the world both, from within and outside of ourselves. If we feed, support and protect our immune system, while maintaining a sense of balance and equanimity, our immune system will take care of us. Be well.
|
||||||||||||||
ALL severe or chronic
diseases have to a
greater or lesser
degree an element of immune
dysfunction that is central
to the disease process. The
immune system is one of our
primary and most critical
systems and, amongst other
things, helps to regulate our
internal environment.