Pituitary Function and Immunity

First published in 1986, the influence of hormones secreted or regulated by the pituitary gland on the immune system is examined in detail, including discussions of adrenocorticotropic hormone, glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone, insulin, prolactin, gonadotropins, sex steroid hormones, and thyroid hormones. The relative importance of various hormones in immunoregulation is considered, and evidence for interaction between the immune and neurohormonal systems is presented. The possible effects of hormonal immunomodulation in reproduction, infections and parasitic disease, autoimmu-nity, and cancer are examined. This comprehensive reference serves both basic and clinical researchers and practitioners in immunology, microbiology, endocrinology, reproduction biology, neurology, oncology, psychology, medicine, and veterinary medicine.