Plasticity of neuroendocrine-immune interactions during aging

Abstract

Intact neuroendocrine-immune interactions are essential for the development and functional maintenance of both systems. Normal physiological aging appears to be, in part, dependent on age-related modifications of neuroendocrine-immune interactions. The thymus plays a major role in this context. Experimental manipulation at the thymic or neuroendocrine level may reciprocally correct the age-associated dysfunctions, suggesting the reversible nature of such phenomena.