It has been known for some time that factors which result in stress can alter immune competency most probably via complex neuroendocrine mechanisms. It is becoming increasingly evident that the two major integrative networks of the body ( the immune and neuroendocrine systems) are inextricably linked, and that internal modulation of these systems is paramount to the organism's abilities to respond appropriately to external stimuli. Drs. John McNulty and Gary Schneider are well versed in the fields of immunology and circadian rhythms. Their research is designed to test the hypothesis that the pineal gland, a part of the brain, regulates immune functions, especially with respect to chronobiological changes that occur over a 24-hour light:dark cycle. The pineal gland mediates various physiological effects of environmental lighting via the production of the hormone, melatonin, over a circadian cycle. These researchers will also test the idea that the pineal gland is an important link in communications between the immune system and central nervous system. Stress is an important phenomenon in our daily lives. The research to be performed is attempting to understand the very basic biological mechanisms which occur due to environmental changes which stress an organism. This work has far-reaching implications with respect to basic mechanisms of homeostasis as well as clinical applications.
