Effects of psycho-physical stress (competitive rafting) on saliva interleukin-1 beta

The effects of psyche-physical stress on immune function were evaluated by investigating the secretion rate of salivary interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) during competitive rafting. Ten female and 20 male volunteers participated irt this study. The concentration of IL-1 beta was determined in saliva ri sing ELISA. We examined the statistical differences between T2/T1 (the chan ges observed during the training period) and C2/C1 (the changes before and after the competitive rafting) ratios by a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The r atio of IL-l beta was significantly increased during competitive rafting (C 2/C1 = 3.6; p < 0.01), compared to the control ratio (T2/T1 = 0.95; p < 0.0 1). The level of IL-I beta at 8.00 a.m. decreased significantly between the first (11.9 +/- 8.71 pmol/l) and the third day (7.9 +/- 5.52 pmol/l) in al l subjects (p < 0.01). In addition, the basal IL-l <beta> levels significan tly decreased between the beginning (8.00 a.m.) and the end of the day (6.0 0 p.m.), during the three consecutive days of collection (p < 0.01). These results may correspond to a circadian secretion rhythm of human saliva IL-l <beta>. In conclusion, a disturbance of IL-l beta salivary secretion is ob served either after psyche-physical stress or during intensive training. Tt may potentially affect the immune and endocrine status. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.