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 volume presents evidence that infection is cyclical with the seasons, and that this phenomenon is mirrored in cycles of immune function. The authors identify 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 are considered. This is the first monograph to examine seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective.

About this title

Book Description

This first monograph 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 hormones 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.

Review

"As the first book to describe seasonal immune function from an interdisciplinary perspective, [this book] is recommended for undergraduate or graduate classes wishing to break down departmental barriers and learn about an organism as a whole." TRENDS in Endocrinology and Metabolism

"...an interesting and rather provocative book on the effect of the seasons of the year on stress, immune function, and disease." Lancet

"...this book should be 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." Animal Behaviour

"The issues expored in the book are wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, and will appeal to anyone interested in seasonality and health." Luce

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052159068X
• ISBN 13: 9780521590686
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 308