A student asks the healthcare professional how immunity is decreased by stress. The professional responds that during a stress response, the helper T (Th) 1 response is suppressed by which hormone?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cortisol acts to suppress the activity of Th1 cells, which leads to a decrease in innate immunity and the proinflammatory response. Cortisol also stimulates the activity of Th2 cells, which increases adaptive immunity and the antiinflammatory response. ACTH binds with specific receptors on the adrenal glands which causes the release of the glucocorticoids. Prolactin is secreted in response to a variety of stressful stimuli and acts as a second messenger for IL-2 and has a positive influence on B-cell activation and differentiation. Growth hormone affects protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism; counters effects of insulin; and is involved in tissue repair.

A Student Asks the Healthcare Professional How Immunity Is Decreased