Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Haas, HS.
Mind-body medicine in science and research
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Graz Medical University; 2010. pp.102.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Haas Helga Susanne
- Advisor:
- Pfragner Roswitha
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- Abstract:
- The scientific bases of mind-body medicine are the disciplines Psychoneuroimmunology and Psychooncology. These research areas describe the intensive bidirectional interactions of communicative systems, comprising the whole brain, peripheral nervous system, (neuro)endocrine- and immune system. During the last years scientifically substantiated data clearly prove that the systems are interconnected by a common chemical language, i.e. they share common signal mediators and receptors. In this way the systems enable a multiflow signal processing affecting the body as a whole and substantiating the observation that somatic health and psyche are closely interrelated. The neurotransmitter most suitable to fulfil multiflow signal processing is the major neuroexcitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which acts through more than 20 receptors, divided into ionotropic (ligand-gated ion channels) and metabotropic (G-protein coupled) glutamate receptors. In the last years an increasing number of reports revealed that glutamate and its receptors/transporters are not only expressed in the central- and peripheral nervous systems, but also in differential peripheral non-excitable cells. From these studies it became apparent that glutamate, in addition to eliciting excitatory currents, can regulate a great number of other biological responses, as well. In this context, glutamate receptors/transporters have also been found in immune tissues where they work as important modulators of neuroimmune functions. Furthermore, the glutamate transmission system is involved in tumor biology and glutamate receptor antagonists are capable to suppress cancer growth. Most interesting are, however, the synergistic effects of specific glutamate receptor antagonist and common cytostatic agents used in cancer therapy. In summary, the investigations so far provide convincing evidence and scientifically based arguments for the consideration and integration of psychologic aspects in the development and therapy of somatic diseases.