Sex and gender in psychoneuroimmunology research: Past, present and future

Abstract To date, research suggests that sex and gender impact pathways central to the foci of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). This review provides a historical perspective on the evolution of sex and gender in psychoneuroimmunology research. Gender and sexually dimorphic pathways may have synergistic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain, behavior, and immunity behavior, and immunity, 2009-07, Vol.23 (5), p.595-604
Main Authors: Darnall, Beth D, Suarez, Edward C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergy and Immunology
Animals
Brain - anatomy & histology
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Cytokines - secretion
Female
Gender
Gender Identity
Genes
Gonadal Steroid Hormones - physiology
Health Policy
Humans
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiology
Immune
Immunity - physiology
Male
Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiology
Psychiatry
Psychoneuroimmunology - trends
Research - trends
Research Design
Sex Characteristics
Sex differences
Sex hormones
Sleep - physiology
Social Change
United States
Women's Health
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Summary:Abstract To date, research suggests that sex and gender impact pathways central to the foci of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). This review provides a historical perspective on the evolution of sex and gender in psychoneuroimmunology research. Gender and sexually dimorphic pathways may have synergistic effects on health differences in men and women. We provide an overview of the literature of sex and gender differences in brain structure and function, sex steroids, gender role identification, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function, genetics, immunology and cytokine response. Specific examples shed light on the importance of attending to sex and gender methodology in PNI research and recommendations are provided.
ISSN:0889-1591
1090-2139
DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2009.02.019