Seasonal Patterns of Stress, Immune Function, and Disease

ISBN-13: 9780521590686 / Angielski / Twarda / 2002 / 308 str.

Randy J. Nelson; Gregory E. Demas; Sabra L. Klein

Opis

This volume presents evidence that infection is cyclical with the seasons, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function. The authors identify the mechanisms by which immune systems are bolstered to counteract seasonally-recurrent stressors, such as extreme temperature reductions and food shortages. Stress, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and human cancers are examined, and the role of hormones such as melatonin and glucocorticoids are considered. This is the first monograph to examine seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Recenzje

'… valuable to anyone interested in immune function in wild animals, and also should be of interest to epidemiologists and immunologists attempting to understand patterns of disease prevalence.' L. Michael Romero, Tufts University

Spis treści

Acknowledgments; Preface; 1. Seasonality; 2. Immune function; 3. Seasonal fluctuations in disease preference; 4. Seasonal changes in immune function; 5. Photoperiod, melatonin, and immunity; 6. Energetics and immune function; 7. Hormonal influence on immune function; 8. Clinical significance of seasonal patterns of immune function and disease; References; Index.