Seasonal Patterns of Stress, Immune Function, and Disease - Hardcover

Nelson, Randy J.; Demas, Gregory E.; Klein, Sabra L.; Kriegsfeld, Lance J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052159068X ISBN 13: 9780521590686

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2002

Synopsis

This book presents evidence that infection is cyclical with the seasons, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function. The book identifies the mechanisms by which immune systems are bolstered to counteract seasonally-recurrent stressors, such as extreme temperature reductions and food shortages. Stress, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and human cancers are examined, and the role of hormones such as melatonin and glucocorticoids is considered. The book begins with an overview of seasonality, biological rhythms and photoperiodism, and basic immunology, and then discusses seasonal fluctuations in disease prevalence, immune function, and energetics and endocrinology as they relate to immune function. The clinical significance of this issue is also addressed, as such seasonal changes may play an important role in the development and treatment of infections. This first monograph to examine seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective will serve practitioners as well as advanced undergraduates and graduate students in biology, immunology, human and veterinary medicine, neuroscience, endocrinology, and zoology.

About this title

Review

' ... an interesting and rather provocative book. The issues explored in the book are wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, and will appeal to anyone interested in seasonality and health.' The Lancet

'... valuable to anyone interested in immune function in wild animals, and also should be of interest to epidemiologists and immunologists attempting to understand patterns of disease prevalence.' L. Michael Romero, Tufts University

Book Description

This first book to examine seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective presents evidence that infection is cyclical with the seasons, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function. Stress, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and human cancers are examined, and the role of hormones is considered.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052159068X
• ISBN 13: 9780521590686
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 308