Stress, the neuroendocrine system and mast cells: current understanding of their role in psoriasis

Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2012 Mar;8(3):235-41. doi: 10.1586/eci.12.1.

Abstract

Psychological stress can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sensory nerves in the brain and skin, resulting in the release of neuroendocrine and neural mediators such as, corticotropin-releasing hormone, neuropeptides, neurotrophins and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. These factors can activate mast cells to release proinflammatory mediators and some of them, for example, histamine, tryptase and nerve growth factor, can stimulate sensory C-fibers. Since corticotropin-releasing hormone, sensory nerves and mast cell numbers are increased in the psoriatic lesion, a feedforward loop can exist potentiating the inflammation. Studies in rats and mice have shown that mast cells are activated during standardized stress through corticotropin-releasing hormone and sensory nerves. Therefore, the role of stress, the neuroendocrine system and mast cells in psoriasis is discussed in this article.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiology
  • Neurosecretory Systems / physiopathology*
  • Peptide Hormones / metabolism
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Psoriasis* / immunology
  • Psoriasis* / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology*
  • Skin / innervation
  • Skin / pathology
  • Stress, Physiological*

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Peptide Hormones