Immunoendocrinology is a rapidly developing field of research that seeks to understand the intersection of the immune and endocrine systems. Immunoendocrinology: Scientific and Clinical Aspects explores in detail the current knowledge of immunoendocrinology, namely endocrine disorders produced by disorders of immune function. Chapters cover both basic pathophysiology informed by studies of animal models as well as current understanding of multiple related clinical diseases—their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy. Immunoendocrinology: Scientific and Clinical Aspects captures the central role of immunoendocrinologic processes in the pathogenesis of not only type 1 diabetes but in a range of other autoimmune and endocrine disorders.

This book provides a fundamental understanding of immunopathology and immunopathologic processes, with particular attention to nonclinical toxicology studies. Chapters provide organ system–based summaries of spontaneous pathology and common responses to xenobiotics. A companion volume, Immunopathology in Toxicology and Drug Development: Volume 1, Immunobiology, Investigative Techniques, and Special Studies, offers an overview of general immunobiology, cells of the immune system, signaling and effector molecules, and immunopathology assays. These informative and strategic books were created in response to the large segment of drug development that focuses on chronic diseases, many of which involve alterations to the immune system. Therapies that target these diseases commonly involve some form of immunomodulation. As a result, the two volumes of Immunopathology in Toxicology and Drug Development are critical texts for individuals involved in diverse aspects of drug development. Readers will acquire a thorough understanding of immunopathology for detection and accurate interpretation of pathologic effects of xenobiotics on the immune system.

The immune system is a natural component, regulator and direct participant in the physiological activities in a healthy body. A considerable number of immune functions, including those related to antimicrobial defense, derive from autoclearance as well as construction and support of multicellularity. Various pathological processes in any organ are usually accompanied by different patterns of cell death and, thus, by increased exposure and presentation of self antigens. These events induce the secondary rise in production of autoantibodies with appropriate specificity (opsonins), which provides augmentation of clearance by facilitating the efficacy of macrophage-dependent consumption of debris in the affected organ. Secondary changes in production and serum content of autoantibodies can be considered the universal and earliest detectable marker of any chronic disease. Experimental and clinical production antibodies reveal antibodies against nuclear antigens, which penetrate into living cell nuclei and alter nuclear acid synthesis, cell proliferation and function. Autoantibodies can thus be regarded as hormone-like bioregulators of gene expression. The immune system is apparently able to reproduce complementary regulators for various cell receptors, including nuclear ones. The book focuses on physiological autoimmunity models and delves into the relation between autoimmunity and autoallergy in the context of disease prevention and prediction. The E-book is a unique and comprehensive monograph and includes a history and contemporary research on natural autoimmunity - a fundamental concept essential for many branches of medicine and pathology. The concepts described in this e-book also have broad practical implications for the healthcare sector, because it establishes effective method of early prediction for many different diseases and creates a basis for prophylaxis. The reference gives medical and clinical professionals a chance to revisit old dogmas and acquire fruitful perspectives for theoretical reasoning and research planning.

In the last decades, several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the existence of a very complex network between the neuroendocrine and immune system. Important molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, in both physiological and pathological conditions, have also been described. Indeed, hormones play a pivotal role in the development and functional regulation of the immune system – both innate and acquired responses. Immune system cells present specific hormone receptors and themselves produce some hormones, thus influencing hormone secretion. More recently, the modulation of hormone secretion has been attempted for treating associated autoimmune disorders, further supporting the strong interplay between the endocrine and immune system. Distinguished experts, who have published extensively in their fields, have contributed comprehensive chapters to this volume. The focus is on the various aspects of endocrine-neuro-immune connections, providing an updated panorama - from basics to clinical applications - of current knowledge and still debated issues.