The spleen produces antibodies under the direction of the brain
Last reviewed: 04.09.2021
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In a stressful situation, the brain activates the formation of cells that produce anti-infectious antibodies.
One of the functions of the spleen is to help immunocytes in the synthesis of antibodies. Antibodies are produced by plasmacytes - cells released from B-lymphocytes. In order for this transformation to occur, B-lymphocytes must receive a "sign" from T-lymphocytes: they inform the cells about the penetration of a foreign agent into the body after they themselves recognize the presence of foreign molecules - in particular, infection. At this stage, there is a need for another class of cellular structures - antigen-presenting cells. They capture the "stranger" and introduce him to T-lymphocytes, which, in turn, transmit this information to B-lymphocytes. At the same time, immunocytes decide what should be their reaction, whether the "stranger" is a danger to the body. This exchange of information and "signs" takes place in the splenic environment.
The spleen is equipped with nerves that function apart from the brain. However, the spleen is not limited only by the autonomic nervous system : its work also depends on certain parts of the brain. Scientists from Qingqua University conducted a study in rodents by blocking nerves that carry impulses from the brain. After that, the specialists injected the antigen into the mice, to potentially activate the production of antibodies, but their level did not increase.
For the transformation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells that produce antibodies, the action of acetylcholine, a special neurotransmitter, is necessary. However, these same molecules are secreted by T-lymphocytes, which sense the "stranger" and acquire activity. T-lymphocytes produce acetylcholine, not when they want to, but under the influence of norepinephrine. Thus, in order for B-structures to be activated by T-structures, the latter must sense the antigen and fix the "sign" from norepinephrine.
Scientists note that impulses come to the spleen from the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and the central nucleus of the amygdala. Neural groups that send "signs" to the spleen simultaneously direct stress responses when the body senses danger or fear. The stress response starts with the release of the hormonal substance corticotropin: corticotropin neurons and send information to the spleen. When these neurons are dysfunctional, new plasma cells do not appear.
At the same time, during stress, the same nerve cells activate the adrenal glands to produce a glucocorticoid that suppresses immunity. Whether the immune defenses are suppressed or stimulated depends on the intensity of the stress. Simply put, moderate stress activates antibody production, while severe stress increases the risk of infection.
Information published on the pages of the journal Nature