Participation of a Gaba-Ergic System in the Processes of Neuroimmunomodulation

Abstract

Participation of a GABA-ergic system in neuroimmunomodulation was established through the use of a large number of chemical compounds which selectively modulate the activity of the GABA-BD-receptor-ionophore complex. Activation of the GABA-receptors with muscimol or activation of the BD-receptors with diazepam or tazepam had stimulatory effects upon immunogenesis. A decrease in the GABA-BD-receptorionophore complex activity led to a suppression of the immune response. The effect was achieved with: a blockade of the complex with bicuculline-a competitive inhibitor of the GABAreceptors: administration of a specific antagonist of the BDreceptors flumazenil or Ro 15–3505: or with blockade of chloride channels with picrotoxin. Activation of the GABA-ergic system causes an increase in bone marrow content of T-helper cells marked by L3T4. The immunomodulatory action of the GABA-ergic system is of central origin and can occur only when the hypoihaiamo-pituitary system is intact. Section of the pituitary stalk prevents accumulation of the T-helper cells in the bone marrow. The result show that the influence of GABA-ergic system on immunogenesis requires participation of both dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems.

Key Words:

• GABA-ergic system
• interaction of neuromediatory system
• neuroimmunomodulation
• rosette-forming cells
• helpers