Abstract
Data in favor of the hypothesis of the common evolutionary origin of natural immunity inflammation and stress response are presented. These phenomena seem to be mediated by a common pool of molecules (POMC-derived peptides, cytokines, biogenic amines, glucocorticoids, and nitric oxide). Macrophages are able to release all the above mentioned molecules. They play a primary role in defence mechanisms. Thus, we argue that this cell can be considered the eye-witness of the common evolutionary origin of the immune and neuroendocrine systems.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Biological Evolution*
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Cytokines / immunology
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Cytokines / physiology
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Immunity, Innate / physiology*
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Inflammation / immunology
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Invertebrates / immunology*
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Invertebrates / physiology
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Macrophages / immunology
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Macrophages / physiology
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Neuroimmunomodulation / physiology
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Nitric Oxide / immunology
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Nitric Oxide / physiology
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Phagocytes / immunology
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Phagocytes / physiology
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Phylogeny
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / metabolism
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Stress, Physiological / immunology*
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Stress, Physiological / physiopathology
Substances
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Cytokines
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Nitric Oxide
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin