Mexican Neuroimmunoendocrinology: What is Done and has to be Done

In this special issue of The Open Neuroendocrinology Journal, the reader will find reviewed some of the hottest topics in the field of Neuroendocrine-immune interactions, with emphasis on the work performed by Mexican Scientists in the field, celebrating the launching of The Mexican Society of Neuroimmunoendocrinology. Cabrera-Muñoz et al., describe the role of progesterone (P4) in the infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder exclusive to human beings, and represents a public health problem worldwide whose etiology is still unknown. Sanchéz-Rodríguez et al., make a very interesting overview of the role of immunological factors involved in this disease. Guzmán et al., make a nice in depth review of the role that IL-6 plays during neuroimmunoendocrine interactions in mammals, and, point out the possible therapeutic use of specific targeting of the IL-6 pathway that can be a promising new approach for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders in humans. Moreover, Morales reviews about neural plasticity induced by reproduction in the maternal brain, with special focus on lactation as a model for neuroprotection, and on the possible involvement of the immune system in this phenomenon. López-Meza et al., discuss the role of prolactin effects on innate immune response to infection. Following the same line, Leff et al., discuss the interacting neuroendocrine network in stress-inducing mood disorders in humans, that are important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms that operate in these diseases. The contribution by Quintana and Salinas, shows the very important role that Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Another very important physiological function in vertebrates, is sleep. VelázquezMoctezuma et al., make an overview pointing out to that, sleep has an influence on the cellular and humoral immune response and, in turn, cytokines regulate the sleep pattern. Finally, Guzmán et al., show that gonadal steroidogenesis is a fundamental process in the reproduction of mammlas, that is regulated not only by neuroendocrine products, but also by immune system molecules. We hope that our readers will find fascinating and enticing, the first ever Special Issue devoted to Mexican Neuroimmu-