14.2.1 Immunosuppression

• What type of stress leads to increased susceptibility to infections?

  Chronic stress
• Cortisol suppresses immune function by reducing the production and activity of lymphocytes
• The HPA axis is activated when a person experiences stress.
• What hormone is released during stress that links to immunosuppression?

  Cortisol
• Match the type of stress with its effect on the immune system:

  Acute stress ↔️ Enhances immune function

  Chronic stress ↔️ Suppresses immune function
• Immunosuppression reduces the body’s ability to fight off pathogens.
• Which illness can result in more frequent and prolonged outbreaks due to immunosuppression?

  Herpes Simplex Virus
• Immunosuppression can lead to more frequent and severe cases of the common cold
• Chronic diseases like cancer can progress faster due to immunosuppression.
• What does immunosuppression do to the body?

  Weakens the immune system
• The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress leads to the secretion of cortisol
• Cortisol increases the production and activity of lymphocytes.

  False
• What is the effect of acute stress on the immune system?

  Enhances immune function
• Chronic stress suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility to infections
• Match the stress type with its effect on the immune system:

  Acute stress ↔️ Temporary enhancement

  Chronic stress ↔️ Immune suppression
• Which type of stress has a more significant impact on immunosuppression?

  Chronic stress
• Immunosuppression can make the body more vulnerable to pathogens.
• What is the effect of immunosuppression on the common cold?

  More frequent and severe colds
• Chronic stress-induced immunosuppression is caused by the release of cortisol
• Immunosuppression refers to the weakening of the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses
• What is the chemical formula for cortisol?

  $C_{21}H_{30}O_{5}$
• Cortisol reduces the production and activity of lymphocytes.
• What is the effect of acute stress on the immune system?

  Enhances immune function
• Chronic stress suppresses immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infections
• Stress leads to immunosuppression through the release of cortisol.
• What axis is activated during stress, leading to cortisol secretion?

  HPA axis
• Acute stress temporarily enhances immune function, while chronic stress leads to its suppression
• Steps in the process of stress leading to immunosuppression

  1️⃣ Stress is experienced

  2️⃣ HPA axis is activated

  3️⃣ Cortisol is released

  4️⃣ Lymphocyte production decreases

  5️⃣ Immune system weakens
• Prolonged release of cortisol can lead to chronic stress-induced immunosuppression.
• What is the effect of chronic stress on susceptibility to infections?

  Increased susceptibility