The driving license examination as a stress model - Effects on blood picture, serum cortisol and the production of interleukins in man

We have studied the following stress model: the tension caused by sitting f or the theoretical part of the driving license examination. Volunteers were investigated twice, after their driving license examination and after a (s tress-free) control session. The effects of the stress were investigated by studying the blood picture (differential counts), serum concentration of c ortisol, and cytokine production in stimulated blood cells. Relationships b etween the subjective perception of stress and the physiological reaction w ere also investigated. This stress induced significant increase in the concentrations of cortisol and hemoglobin, and in the values of hematocrit and MCV, and in the lipopol ysaccharide-induced release of IL-1beta and -6. The subjective feelings of irritability and wakefulness were also significantly higher after the exam. A significant relationship was found between the changes in the stimulated production of IL-1beta and irritability. The responsiveness to psychologic al stress might be influenced by the temporary mood of the subjects. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.