Sensing the environment: Regulation of local and global homeostasis by the skin neuroendocrine system

Published in Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology • January 01, 2012

Written by: Andrzej T. Slominski • Michal A. Zmijewski • Cezary Skobowiat • Blazej Zbytek • Radomir M. Slominski • Jeffery D. Steketee

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Abstract

Review article describing the skin as a barrier between the environment and internal milieu, emphasizing its role in preserving local and systemic homeostasis. The article discusses the cutaneous neuroendocrine system, including local equivalents of classical neuroendocrine axes, and explains how skin recognizes environmental signals, produces biologically active compounds, and communicates with immune, neural, endocrine, pigmentary, epidermal, and adnexal systems.