Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Changes in Immunologic Function

  • Chapter
Geriatric Medicine

Abstract

Immunologic function is one of the most intensively studied physiologic processes in gerontology, in part due to the explosive growth in all aspects of immunologic research in the past three decades, and to the ease of obtaining immunocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes) for study. There are more fundamental reasons, however, why the study of immunology is particularly relevant to gerontology. Immunologic function declines with age, as do most physiologic functions. Concomitant with this decline in immune function, there is a rise in the incidence of many infections and malignancies with age. There is greater morbidity and mortality associated with common infections in adults over age 65 years. Elderly persons respond less well to protective immunizations against common infections such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. Also intriguing have been observations dating back to the 1930s (described later) linking changes in immune function with changes in the life span of various animal species. An understanding of immunologic changes might be important not only in understanding the aging process, but also in developing potential strategies to prevent some of the morbidity and other changes that occur with age.1,2 This chapter describes changes in the immune system attributed to aging, and gives an overall sense of our understanding of aging and immune function as we near the end of the twentieth century.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Makinodan T. Biology of aging: retrospect and prospect. In: Makinodan T, Yunis E, eds. Immunology and Aging. New York: Plenum; 1977: 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Miller RA. Aging and immune function. Mt Rev Cytol. 1991; 124: 187–215.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Burnet FM. The concept of immunological surveillance. Prog Exp Tumor Res. 1970; 13: 1–27.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Thomas L. Reactions to homologous tissue antigens in relation to hypersensitivity. In: Lawrence HS, ed. Cellular and Humoral Aspects of the Hypersensitivity States. New York: Hoeber-Harper; 1959: 529–532.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Roberts-Thompson IC, Whittingham S, Young-Chaiyud U, et al. Aging, immune response and mortality. Lancet. 1974; 2: 368–370.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Wayne S, Rhyne R, Garry P, et al. Cell mediated immunity as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in the aged. J Gerontol. 1990; 45: 45–49.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Goodwin JS, Searles RP, Tung KSK. Immunological responses of a healthy elderly population. Clin Exp Immunol. 1982; 48: 403–410.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Murasko DM, Weiner P, Kaye D. Association of lack of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation with increased mortality in the elderly. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1988; 1: 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Minick CR, Murphy GE, Campbell WG. Experimental induction of athero-arteriosclerosis by the synergy of allergic injury to arteries and lipid rich diet. J Exp Med. 1966; 124: 635–652.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Howard AN, Paterski J, Bowyer DE, et al. Atherosclerosis induced in hypercholesterolemic baboons by immunologic injury. Atherosclerosis. 1971; 14: 17–29.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Clarkson RB, Alexander NJ. Long term vasectomy: effects on the occurrence and extent of atherosclerosis in rhesus monkeys. J Clin Invest. 1980; 65: 15–25.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Ansbacher R, Keung-Yeung K, Wurster JC. Sperm antibodies in vasectomized men. Fertil Steril. 1972; 23: 640–643.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Mackay IR, Whittingham SF, Mathews JD. The immunoepidemiology of aging. In: Makinodan T, Yunis E, eds. Immunology and Aging. New York: Plenum; 1977: 35–50.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Hess EV, Knapp D. The immune system and aging: a case of the cart before the horse. J Chronic Dis. 1978;31:647–649.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Ligthart GJ, Corberand JX, Fournier C, et al. Admission criteria for immunogerontological studies in man: the Senieur protocol. Mech Ageing Dev. 1984; 28: 4755.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Philosophe B, Miller RA. Diminished calcium signal generation in subsets of T lymphocytes that predominate in old mice. J Gerontol. 1990; 45: B87 - B93.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Inkeles B, Innes JB, Kuntz MM, et al. Immunological studies of aging, III: cytokinetic basis for the impaired response of lymphocytes from aged humans to plant lectins. J Exp M.d. 1977; 145: 1176–1187.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Goodwin JS, Messner RP. Sensitivity of lymphocytes to prostaglandin E2 increases in subjects over age 70. J Clin Invest. 1979; 64: 434–439.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Ernst DN, Weigle WO, McQuitty DN, Rothermel AL, Hobbs MV. Stimulation of murine T cell subsets with antiCD3 antibody: age-related defects in the expression of early activation molecules. J Immunol. 1989; 142: 1413–1421.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Vissinga C, Nagelkerken L, Sijlstra J, Hertogh-Huijbregts A, Boersma W, Rozing J. A decreased functional capacity of CD4- T cells underlies the impaired DTH reactivity in old mice. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 53: 127–139.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Gottesman SRS, Edington J. Proliferative and cytotoxic immune functions in aging mice. V. Deficiency in generation of cytotoxic cells with normal lytic function per cell as demonstrated by the single cell conjugation assay. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1990; 2: 19–29.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Kishimoto S, Tornino S, Mitsuya H, et al. Age-related changes in suppressor functions of human T cells. J Immunol. 1979; 123: 1586–1592.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Rodriguez MA, Cueppens JL, Goodwin JS. Regulation of IgM rheumatoid factor production in lymphocyte cultures from young and old subjects. J Immunol. 1989; 128: 2422–2428.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Crawford J, Oates S, Wolfe LA, Cohen HJ. An in vitro analogue of immune dysfunction with altered immunoglobulin production in the aged. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1989; 37: 1141–1146.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Delespesse G, Gausset PH, Sarfati M, et al. Circulating immune complexes in old people and in diabetics: correlation with autoantibodies. Clin Exp Immunol. 1980; 40: 96–102.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Hallgren H, Buckley C, Gilbertson V, et al. Lymphocyte phytohemagglutinin responsiveness, immunoglobulins, and autoantibodies in aging humans. J Immunol. 1973; 111: 1101–1107.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Grossmann A, Ledbetter JA, Rabinovitch PS. Reduced proliferation in T lymphocytes in aged humans is predominantly in the CD8’ subset and is unrelated to defects in transmembrane signaling which are predominantly in the CD4’ subsets. Exp Cell Res. 1989; 180: 367–382.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Kawanishi H, Ajitsu S, Mirabella S. Impaired humoral immune responses to mycobacterial antigen in aged murine gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 54: 143–161.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Subbarao B, Morris J, Kryscio R.I. Phenotypic and functional properties of B lymphocytes from aged mice. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 51: 223–241.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Callard R, Basten A, Blanden R. Loss of immune competence with age may be due to a qualitative abnormality in lymphocyte membranes. Nature. 1979; 281: 218–221.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Zharhary D. Age-related changes in the capability of the bone marrow to generate B cells. J Immunol. 1988; 141: 1863–1869.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Delafuente JC. Immunosenescence: clinical and pharmacologic considerations. Med Clin North Am. 1985; 69: 475–486.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Cinader B, Thorbecke GJ. Aging and the immune system. Report on Workshop #94 held during the 7th International Congress of Immunology in Berlin on August 3, 1989. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1990; 2: 45–53.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Ershler WB, Moore AL, Socinski MA. Influenza and aging: age-related changes and the effects of thymosin on the antibody response to influenza vaccine. J Clin Immunol. 1984; 4: 445–454.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Kishimoto S, Tomino S, Mitsuya H, et al. Age-related decrease in frequencies of B-cell precursors and specific helper T cells involved in the IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody production in humans. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1982; 25: 1–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Burns EA, Lum LG, Giddings BR, Seigneuret MC, Goodwin JS. Decreased specific antibody synthesis by lymphocytes from elderly subjects. Mech Aging Dev. 1990; 53: 229–241.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Burns EA, Lum LG, l’Hommedieu GD, Goodwin JS. Decreased humoral immunity in aging: in vivo and in vitro response to vaccination. J Gerontol. 1993; 48: B231 - B236.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Whittingham S, Buckley JD, Mackay IR. Factors influencing the secondary antibody response to flagellin in man. Clin Exp Immunol. 1978; 34: 170–178.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Ennist DL, Hones KH, St. Pierre RL, Whisler, RL. Functional analysis of the immunosenescence of the human B cell system: dissociation of normal activation and proliferation from impaired terminal differentiation into IgM immunoglobulin-secreting cells. J Immunol. 1986; 136: 99–105.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Whisler RL, Williams JW, Newhouse YG. Human B cell proliferative responses during aging. Reduced RNA synthesis and DNA replication after signal transduction by surface immunoglobulins compared to B cell antigenic determinants CD20 and CD40. Mech Ageing Dev. 1991; 61: 209–222.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Delfraissey J, Galanaud P, Wallon C, et al. Abolished in vitro antibody response in the elderly: exclusive involvement of prostaglandin-induced T suppressor cells. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1982; 24: 377–385.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Delfraissey JF, Galanaud P, Dormont J, Wallon C. Age-related impairment of the in vitro antibody response in the human. Clin Exp Immunol. 1980; 39: 208–214.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Danon D, Kowatch MA, Roth GS. Promotion of wound repair in old mice by local injection of macrophages. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1989; 86: 2018–2020.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Izumi-Hisha H, Ito Y, Sugkmoto K, Oshima H, Mori KJ. Age-related decrease in the number of hemopoietic stem cells and progenitors in senescence accelerated mice. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 56: 89–97.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Beckman I, Dimopoulos K, Xaioning X, Bradley J, Henschke P, Ahern M. T cell activation in the elderly: evidence for specific deficiencies in T cell/accessory cell interactions. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 51: 265–276.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Esposito D, Fassina G, Szabo P, et al. Chromosomes of older humans are more prone to aminopterin-induced breakage. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1989; 86: 1302–1306.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Akiyama M, Shou O-L, Kusunoki Y, et al. Age and dose related alteration of in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture response of blood lymphocytes from A-bomb survivors. Radiat Res. 1989; 117: 26–34.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Mayer PJ, Lange CS, Bradley MO, Nichols WW. Age-dependent decline in rejoining of X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks in normal human lymphocytes. Mutat Res. 1989; 219: 95–100.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Melaragno MI, De Arruda Cardoso Smith M. Sister chromatid exchange and proliferation pattern in lymphocytes from newborns, elderly subjects and in premature aging syndromes. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 54: 43–53.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Miller RA, Philosophe B, Ginis I, et al. Defective control of cytoplasmic calcium concentration in T lymphocytes from old mice. J Cell Physiol. 1989; 128: 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Philosophe B, Miller RA. Calcium signals in murine T lymphocytes: preservation of response to PHA and to an anti-Ly-6 antibody. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1990; 2: 11–18.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Lustyik G, O’Leary JJ. Aging and the mobilization of intracellular calcium by phytohemagglutinin in human T cells. J Gerontol. 1989; 44: B30 - B36.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Rivach DAJ, Rosen GM, Cohen HJ. Membrane protein organization of peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy young and aged adults. Mech Ageing Dev. 1988; 45: 65–74.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Goodwin JS, Webb DR. Regulation of the immune response by prostaglandins: a critical review. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1981; 15: 116–132.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Goodwin JS. Changes in lymphocyte sensitivity to prostaglandin E, histamine, hydrocortisone, and X-irradiation with age: studies in a healthy elderly population. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1982; 25: 243–251.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Hayek MG, Meydani S, Meydani M, et al. Age differences in eicosenoid production of mouse splenocytes: effects on mitogen-induced T cell proliferation. J Gerontol. 1994; 49: B197 - B207.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Negoro S, Hara H, Miyata S, et al. Mechanisms of age-related decline in antigen-specific T cell proliferative response: IL-2 receptor expression and recombinant IL-2 induced proliferative response of purified Tac-positive T cells. Mech Ageing Dev. 1986; 36: 223–241.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. McElhaney JE, Beattie BL, Devine R, et al. Age-related decline in interleukin 2 production in response to influenza vaccine. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1990; 38: 652–658.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Vissinga C, Hertogh-Huijbregts, Rozing J, et al. Analysis of the age-related decline in alloreactivity of CD4’ and CD8’ T cells in CBA/RIJ mice. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 51: 179–194.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Hara H, Tanaka T, Negoro S, et al. Age-related changes of expression of IL-2 receptor subunits and kinetics of IL-2 internalization in T cells after mitogenic stimulation. Mech Ageing Dev. 1988; 45: 167–175.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Nagel JE, Chopra RK, Powers DC, Adler WH. Effect of age on the human high affinity interleukin 2 receptor of phytohaemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clin Exp Immunol. 1989; 75: 286–291.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Ajitsu S, Mirabella S, Kawanishi H. In vivo immunologic intervention in age-related T cell defects in murine gut-associated lymphoid tissues by IL-2. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 54: 163–183.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Ernst DN, Weigle WO, Thoman ML. Retention of IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression by Peyer’s patch T cells from aged mice. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1990; 2: 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Wu W, Pahlavani M, Cheung HT, et al. The effect of aging on the expression of interleukin 2 messenger ribonucleic acid. Cell Immunol. 1986; 100: 224–231.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Bradley SF, Vibhagool A, Kunkel SL, Kauffman CA. Monokine secretion in aging and protein malnutrition. J Leukoc Biol. 1989; 45: 510–514.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Udhayakumar V, Subbarao B, Seth A, Nagarkatti M, et al. Impaired T cell-induced T cell-T cell interaction in aged mice. Cell Immunol. 1988; 116: 299–307.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Thoman ML, Keogh EA, Weigle WO. Response of aged T and B lymphocytes to interleukin 4. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1988/1989; 1: 245–253.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Burns EA, l’Hommedieu GD, Cunning J, Goodwin JS. Effects of interleukin 4 on antigen-specific antibody synthesis by lymphocytes from old and young adults. Lymphokine Cytokine Res. 1994; 13 (4): 227–231.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Daynes RA, Araneo BA, Ershler WB, et al. Altered regulation of IL-6 production with normal aging. J Immunol. 1993; 150: 5219–5230.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Ershler WB. Interleukin-6: a cytokine for gerontologists. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1993; 41: 176–181.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Liao Z, Caucino JA, Schniffer SM, et al. Increased urinary cytokine levels in the elderly. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1993; 4: 139–153.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Foster KD, Conn CA, Kluger MJ. Fever, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 in young, mature and aged Fischer 344 rats. Am J Physiol. 1992; 262: R211 - R215.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Ader R, Cohen N. Conditioned immunopharmacologic responses. In: Ader R, ed. Psychoneuroimmunology. Orlando, FL: Academic Press; 1981: 281–317.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Borysenko M, Borysenko J. Stress, behavior and immunity: animal models and mediating mechanisms. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 1982; 4: 59–67.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Rosenberg LT, Coe CL, Levine S. Complement levels in the squirrel monkey. Lab Anim Sci. 1982; 32: 37 1372.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Minter RE, Patterson-Kimball C. Life events and illness onset: a review. Psychosomatics. 1978; 19: 334–339.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Glaser R, Thorn BE, Tarr KL, et al. Effects of stress on methyltransferase synthesis: an important DNA repair enzyme. Health Psycho. 1985; 4: 403–412.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Thomas PD, Goodwin JM, Goodwin JS. Effect of social support on stress-related changes in cholesterol level, uric acid level and immune function in an elderly sample. Am J Psychiatry. 1985; 142: 735–737.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Goodwin JS, Hunt WC, Kay CR, et al. The effect of marital, treatment and survival of cancer patients. JAMA. 1987; 255: 3125–3130.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Schleifer SJ, Keller SE, Camerino M, et al. Suppression of lymphocyte function following bereavement. JAMA. 1983; 250: 374–377.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Glaser R, Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Speicher CE, et al. The relationship of stress and loneliness and changes in herpes virus latency. J Behav Med. 1985; 8: 249–260.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Lewis V, Twomey J, Bealmear P, et al. Age, thymic function and circulating thymic hormone activity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1978; 47: 145–152.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Hirokawa K, Utsuyama M, Kasai M, et al. Aging and immunity. Jpn Soc Pathol. 1992; 42: 537–548.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Effros RB, Casillas A, Walford RL. The effect of thymosin-1 immunity to influenza in aged mice. Aging Immunol Infect Dis. 1988; 1: 31–40.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Ershler WB. The influence of an aging immune system on cancer incidence and progression. J Gerontol. 1993; 48: B3 - B7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Ferluga J. Potential role of anti-oncogenes in aging. Mech Ageing Dev. 1990; 53: 267–275.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Fabris N. A neuroendocrine-immune theory of aging. 1m’J Neurosci. 1990; 51: 373–375.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. McCay C, Crowell M, Maynard L. The effects of retarded growth upon the length of life span and upon the ultimate body size. J Nutr. 1935; 10: 63–79.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Kemintz JW, Weindruch R, Roecker EB, et al. Dietary restriction of adult male rhesus monkeys: design, methodology, and preliminary findings from the first year of study. J Gerontol. 1993; 48: B17 - B26.

    Google Scholar 

  90. Chandra RK. Nutrition is an important determinant of immunity in old age. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1990; 326: 321–334.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Burns EA, Goodwin JS. Aging: nutrition and immunity. In: Forse RA, Bell SJ, Blackburn GL, eds. Diet, Nutrition and Immunity. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1994: 57–72.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Chandra RK, Puri S. Nutritional support improves antibody response to influenza vaccine in the elderly. Br Med J. 1985; 291: 709.

    Google Scholar 

  93. Chandra RK. Effect of vitamin and trace-element supplementation on immune responses and infection in elderly subjects. Lancet. 1992; 340: 1124–1127.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Meydani M. Vitamin E. Lancet. 1995; 345: 170–175.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Meydani SN, Hayek M. Vitamin E and immune response. In: Chandra RK, ed. Proceedings of International Conference on Nutrition and Immunity. St. John’s, Newfoundland: ARTS Biomedical; 1992: 105–128.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Meydani SN, Barklund PM, Liu S, et al. Vitamin E supplementation enhances cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990; 52: 557–563.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Meydani SN, Leka L, Loszewski R. Long-term vitamin E supplementation enhances immune response in healthy elderly. FASEB J. 1994; 8: A274.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Duchateau J, Servais G, Vreyens R, et al. Modulation of immune response in aged humans through different administration modes of thymopentin. Sury Immunol Res. 1985; 4 (suppl 1): 94–101.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Ershler WB, Moore AL, Hacker MP, et al. Specific antibody synthesis in vitro, II. Age-associated thymosin enhancement of anti-tetanus antibody synthesis. Immunopharmacol. 1984; 8: 69–77.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Goodwin JS, Bankhurst A, Murphy S, et al. Partial reversal of the cellular immune defect in common variable immunodeficiency with indomethacin. J Clin Lab Immunol. 1978; 1: 197–199.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Cueppens J, Rodriguez M, Goodwin JS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the production of IgM rheumatoid factor in vitro. Lancet. 1982; 1: 528–531.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Pennebaker JW, Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Glaser R. Disclosure of traumas and immune function: health implications for psychotherapy. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1988; 56: 239–245.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Glaser R, Williger D, et al. Psychosocial enhancement of immunocompetence in a geriatric population. Health Psychol. 1985; 4: 25–41.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Edith Burns
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. James S. Goodwin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Henry L. Schwartz Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, 10029-6574, New York, NY, USA

    Christine K. Cassel M.D. (Professor and Chairman) & Diane E. Meier M.D. (Associate Professor) (Professor and Chairman) &  (Associate Professor)

  2. Center for Study of Aging and Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Duke University Medical Center, 27710, Durham, NC, USA

    Harvey J. Cohen M.D. (Director) (Director)

  3. University of Washington Medical Center, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA

    Eric B. Larson M.D., M.P.H. (Medical Director) (Medical Director)

  4. Gerontology Division, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 02115, Boston, MA, USA

    Neil M. Resnick M.D. (Chief) (Chief)

  5. Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Sepulveda VA Medical Center, 91343, Sepulveda, CA, USA

    Laurence Z. Rubenstein M.D., M.P.H. (Director) (Director)

  6. Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA

    Leif B. Sorensen M.D. (Professor and Vice Chairman) (Professor and Vice Chairman)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1997 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Burns, E., Goodwin, J.S. (1997). Changes in Immunologic Function. In: Cassel, C.K., et al. Geriatric Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-2705-0_39

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-2705-0_39

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-2707-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-2705-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation