The two routes available to the central nervous system for communication with peripheral organs are neuroendocrine channels and autonomic nerve channels. In a more recent paper, Felten's team reviewed aspects of neural- immune signaling. Nerve fibers distribute within the parenchyma of these organs, as well as along smooth muscle compartments. The relationship between the nervous system and the immune system has attracted the attention of the popular press. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby.
Inflammatory disease is influenced by the nervous system.
Undem noted that nerve stimulation can affect the growth and function of inflammatory cells. The pathophysiologic perturbation of this feedback loop, through various mechanisms, results in the development of inflammatory syndromes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and behavioral syndromes, such as depression. Thus, diseases characterized by both inflammatory and emotional disturbances may derive from common alteration in specific central nervous system pathways. P was also observed. A small controlled study of HIV positive patients was conducted by Selano et al.