H. Salman et al., Effect of training on the phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages from rats exposed to swim stress, ACT HAEMAT, 102(4), 1999, pp. 180-184
Since strenuous effort may affect the immune system, a study was designed t
o examine the impact of the progressive training of rats exposed to swim st
ress. Rats (trained swimmers) were forced to swim daily in a water bath for
progressively longer periods. At the end of the study, which continued for
a total of 6 weeks, the superoxide anion generation and phagocytic capacit
y of peritoneal macrophages, the mitogen response of splenic cells (splenoc
ytes) and the serum corticosterone level were examined. The results, compar
ed to those of animals taken in and out of their cages (nonswimmers), showe
d an increase in superoxide anion generation, as well as a decrease in both
the percentage of phagocytosing cells and the number of particles internal
ized by each individual cell. In trained swimmers, the mitogen response to
phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A (Con A), as well as the corticosteron
e level, did not change significantly from those of nonswimmers. A third gr
oup of animals were forced to swim once only for 30 min, until the appearan
ce of signs of marked fatigue (acute swimmers). Their peritoneal macrophage
s showed an increased superoxide anion generation and a significantly decre
ased response to Con A compared to those of the nonswimmers. The serum cort
icosterone level in acute swimmers was found to be increased compared to th
at of an additional group of animals kept at complete rest. The findings in
dicate that the progressive training of rats exposed to swim stress does no
t prevent alterations in certain immune responses, a fact that should be co
nsidered by intensive exercisers. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.