Question

Psychoneuroimmunology studies the effects of stress on the immune system. Identify the correct statements describing its working:
(A) The Leucocytes within the immune system identify and destroy antigens such as viruses
(B) Stress does not affect natural killer cell cytotoxicity
(C) Stress leads to the production of antibodies
(D) There are several kinds of Leucocytes including the T cells, B cells and natural killer cells
(E) D-cells produce antibodies

• A. (A), (B) & (C) only
• B. (B), (C) & (D) only
• C. (A), (C) & (D) only
• D. (A), (B) & (E) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Psychoneuroimmunology explores the interplay between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune response. Let's examine the given statements: 

• (A) The leucocytes within the immune system identify and destroy antigens such as viruses. True. Leucocytes, or white blood cells, are crucial for identifying and eradicating pathogens like viruses.
• (B) Stress does not affect natural killer cell cytotoxicity. False. Stress is known to suppress immune functions, including the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, reducing their ability to destroy malignancies and infected cells.
• (C) Stress leads to the production of antibodies. True. Stress can stimulate the production of certain antibodies through the activation of the body's stress response systems.
• (D) There are several kinds of leucocytes, including the T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. True. The immune system comprises various leucocytes such as T cells, B cells, and NK cells, which perform diverse roles in immune defense.
• (E) D-cells produce antibodies. False. D-cells are not involved in antibody production; B cells produce antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response.

Given this analysis, the correct statements are (A), (C), and (D). The correct answer is therefore: (A), (C) & (D) only.

Answer 2

The correct statements regarding psychoneuroimmunology and the immune system are: 

(A): True. Leucocytes (white blood cells) identify and destroy pathogens like viruses, playing a crucial role in immune defense.

(B): False. Stress does affect natural killer cell cytotoxicity, often decreasing their effectiveness in fighting off infections and tumors.

(C): True. Stress can lead to the production of antibodies as part of the immune response, though chronic stress can eventually weaken the immune system.

(D): True. There are various types of leucocytes, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, each with distinct roles in the immune system, such as targeting infected cells or producing antibodies.

(E): False. B cells, not D-cells, are responsible for producing antibodies, which help in neutralizing pathogens.

These statements reflect the complex relationship between stress and the immune system, highlighting how stress can both influence immune function and contribute to health outcomes.