The importance of being receptive

Neuroendocrine system and immune system can communicate via the use of soluble mediators like hormones, neurotransmitters and cytokines. The level of mediators secreted by either of these systems creates the milieu in which immune and neuroendocrine responses take place. For adequate communication between the systems, receptors for hormones, neurotransmitters and cytokines are required. This review describes the role of regulated expression and function of receptors for hormones and neurotransmitters within the immune system in neuroendocrine-immune communication. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.