The Effects of Chiropractic on the Immune System: A Review of the Literature
Chiropractic Journal of Australia 1993 (Dec);   23 (4):   132–135
This paper outlines the many components of the mammalian immune system and the anatomical and physiological connections suggesting that the nervous system plays a role in the modulation of immune response. The few studies attempting to measure the effect of chiropractic or manipulative treatment on the immune system are reviewed. Their results suggest that chiropractic or manipulative treatment may influence T and B lymphocyte numbers, NK cell numbers, antibody levels, phagocytic activity and plasma beta-endorphin levels.


   An Overview of Neuroimmunomodulation and a Possible Correlation with Musculoskeletal System Function
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989 (Aug);   12 (4):   289–292
It is theorized that spinal fixations may adversely affect the immune response through somatosympathetic reflexes. Spinal manipulation can correct the spinal fixations and may eliminate the adverse affects of somatosympathetic reflexes.


   Enhanced Neutrophil Respiratory Burst as a Biological Marker for Manipulation Forces: Duration of the Effect and Association with Substance P and Tumor Necrosis Factor
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1992 (Feb);   15 (2):   83–89
A critical need in assessing the clinical utility of manipulative therapy for back pain is the identification of biological changes associated with the forces applied by spinal manipulation. Such changes could then serve as markers for both sham treatment and manipulation.


   Enhanced Phagocytic Cell Respiratory Burst Induced by Spinal Manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991 (Sep);   14 (7):   399–408
The effect of spinal manipulation on the respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes from treated adults was measured by zymosan-stimulated chemiluminescence (CL). Peripheral blood was collected 15 min before and 15 min after treatment (sham manipulation, thoracic spine manipulation, or soft tissue manipulation), the cells were isolated, challenged with a standardized, opsonized luminol-containing suspension of zymosan, and monitored for CL.


    Reflex Effects of Subluxation: The Autonomic Nervous System
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000 (Feb);   23 (2):   104–106
Recent neuroscience research supports a neurophysiologic rationale for the concept that aberrant stimulation of spinal or paraspinal structures may lead to segmentally organized reflex responses of the autonomic nervous system, which in turn may alter visceral function.


   Studies on Effects of Spinal Manipulation on the Immune Response
THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS:   The data gleaned from the proposed study may help establish a relationship between SMT and the immune response. In doing so, it will provide data that can be used to develop further studies on the systemic effects and possible health benefits derived from the chiropractic manipulation.


   Changes in Health Measures in HIV+ Chiropractic Patients
           THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS:   The long-term objectives of this research are to examine the effects of chiropractic care on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLA).


   An Overview of Neuroimmunomodulation and a Possible Correlation with Musculoskeletal System Function
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989;   12 (4):   289–292
Activation of these receptors can be stimulatory or inhibitory depending on the neuroactive substance. The immune system may be able to communicate with the nervous system using neuromodulators and neurohormones secreted by lymphocytes. Sympathetic innervation of lymphoid tissues is not restricted to blood vessels and smooth muscle, but directly supplies lymphocytes and blood precursor cells. It is theorized that spinal fixations may adversely affect the immune response through somatosympathetic reflexes. Spinal manipulation can correct the spinal fixations and may eliminate the adverse affects of somatosympathetic reflexes.


   The Effects of Chiropractic on the Immune System: A Review of the Literature
Chiropractic Journal of Australia 1993 (Dec);   23 (4):   132–135
This paper outlines the many components of the mammalian immune and the anatomical and physiological connections suggesting that the nervous system plays a role in the modulation of immune response. The few studies attempting to measure the effect of chiropractic or manipulative treatment on the immunme system are reviewed. Their results suggest that chiropractic or manipulative treatment may influence T and B lymphocyte numbers, NK cell numbers, antibody levels, phagocytic activity and plasma beta-endorphin levels.


   Immunologic Correlates of Reduced Spinal Mobility: Preliminary Observations in a Dog Model
FCER's International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, 1991;   118–121
To avoid severe distortion of the spine, we have developed an experimental model which focuses on reduced spinal flexibility. Reduced spinal mobility was produced by fusing selected posterior facet joints of young adult male beagles with a non-toxic, non-immunogenic fibrin sealant. This report presents the preliminary results of measures of immune cell function in four dogs whose facet joints were fused compared with immune cell function in control dogs who underwent sham spinal fusion.


   Functional Ability of Natural Killer Cells as an Outcome Measure for Chiropractic Treatment Efficacy
FCER's International Conference on Spinal Manipulation, 1991;   84–96
Previous work in our laboratory suggested that both the percentage and the absolute numbers of NK cells were significantly lower in patients presenting to the main clinic of The National College of Chiropractic (NCCC) than in asymptomatic controls (6). However, these results were obtained using conventional fluorescence microscopy. Using flow cytometry to quantitate cells and a standard cytotoxicity assay to measure cell function, we are currently assessing the numbers and functional ability of NK cells. The purpose is to develop sensitive cellular outcome measures for use in future clinical trials.


   The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients
Chiropractic Research J 1994;   3 (1):   32–39
These tests were performed by the patients independent medical center where they were under medical supervision for the regular group were dramatically increased over the counts of the control group. A 48% increase in CD4 cells was demonstrated over the six month duration of the study for the adjusted group.


    Review More Abstracts on Chiropractic and Immune Function
Review abstracts about chiropractic and a variety of organic and visceral disorders at the wonderful International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) website

   The Immunity and Nutrition Page
          This compilation in the Nutrition Section details the impact of a variety of substances from Co-Q10 to Vitamin E on improving immune function.


   Nutritional Interventions to Assist with the Adaptation to Stress
Alternative Medicine Review 1999 (Aug);   4 (4):   249–265 ~ FULL TEXT
Prolonged stress, whether a result of mental/emotional upset or due to physical factors such as malnutrition, surgery, chemical exposure, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, or a host of other environmental causes, results in predictable systemic effects. The systemic effects of stress include increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, a decline in certain aspects of immune system function such as natural killer cell cytotoxicity or secretory-IgA levels, and a disruption of gastrointestinal microflora balance. These systemic changes might be a substantial contributor to many of the stress-associated declines in health.


   Plant Sterols and Sterolins:
A Review of Their Immune-Modulating Properties
Alternative Medicine Review 1999 (Jun);   4 (3):   170–177 ~ FULL TEXT
Beta-sitosterol (BSS) and its glycoside (BSSG) are sterol molecules which are synthesized by plants. In animals, BSS and BSSG have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-pyretic, and immune-modulating activity. You also might enjoy this more recent 2001 Monograph.


   The Detoxification Enzyme Systems
Alternative Medicine Review 1998 (Jun);   3 (3):   187-198 ~ FULL TEXT
The human body is exposed to a wide array of xenobiotics in one's lifetime, from food components to environmental toxins to pharmaceuticals, and has developed complex enzymatic mechanisms to detoxify these substances. These mechanisms exhibit significant individual variability, and are affected by environment, lifestyle, and genetic influences. The scientific literature suggests an association between impaired detoxification and certain diseases, including cancer, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue/immune dysfunction syndrome.


   Aging Gracefully With Antioxidants
           Living well includes getting enough relaxation, exercise, community spirit and nutritious foods. It may also include taking vitamins. An avalanche of research data suggests that high intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and supplements lowers the risk of old-age diseases.


   Bacteria That Strengthen The Immune System
          As a practicing physician and nutritionist, I hear that question at least three times a day. The good news is we can strengthen the immune system's resistance to infection by taking supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum, two breeds of "friendly" bacteria that normally live in the human gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract.   You may also enjoy these other Probiotic Abstracts.


   Nutrients and HIV

Part I:   Beta Carotene and Selenium
Alternative Medicine Review 1999;   4 (6):   403–413 ~ FULL TEXT

Part II:   Vitamins A and E, Zinc, B-Vitamins, and Magnesium
Alternative Medicine Review 2000;   5 (1):   39–51 ~ FULL TEXT

Part III:   N-Acetylcysteine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, L-Glutamine, and L-Carnitine
Alternative Medicine Review 2000;   5 (4):   290–305 ~ FULL TEXT