Interactions of orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) system with immune system factors and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Background: brain-immune system interactions and neurohormonal changes which are induced by psychophysiological factors are growing areas of scientific interest. central (cns) and autonomic nervous-endocrine-immune system pathways are connected with a number of behavioral and physiological factors which may be linked to disease susceptibility and progression. methods: in this paper,influence of orphanin fq/nociceptin receptor (ofq/n) on the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal (hpa) axis and their influence on the immunological system was reviewed. conclusions: the neuroendocrine system,in particular the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (hpa) axis,is closely connected with the cytokines. hpa axis activation by cytokines,via the release of glucocorticoids has,in turn,been found to play a critical role in restraining and shaping immune responses. investigation of the ofq/n system and g-proteins suggests a role for this receptor as a downregulator of cytokine,chemokine and chemokine receptor expression. © 2014 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences. published by elsevier urban & partner sp. z o.o. all rights reserved.