A neuro-endocrine-immune symphony.

The inflammatory response provides a powerful means for the body to fight an infection. The neuroendocrine system plays an important role in controlling the magnitude and duration of this response and maintaining homeostasis in the inflamed state. Glucocorticoids released following activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis limit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules, whereas the neurohypophysial hormones vasopressin and oxytocin act both within the brain and in the periphery to maintain cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis and to limit the rise in body temperature.