Differential effects of active versus passive coping on secretory immunity

This study examined the acute immunological effects of two laboratory stres sors, expected to evoke distinct patterns of cardiac autonomic activity; na mely an "active coping" time-paced memory test, and a "passive coping" stre ssful video showing surgical operations. We measured salivary S-IgA, IgA-su bclasses (IgA1, IgA2), and secretory component (SC). SC is responsible for the transport of S-IgA across the epithelium, and thus a rate-determining s tep in S-IgA secretion. Thirty-two male undergraduates were subjected to bo th stressors and a control video (a didactic television program). The memor y test induced a typical "fight-flight" response, characterized by increase s in heart rate and blood pressure in association with a decrease in cardia c preejection period (PEP) and vagal tone. The surgical video produced a "c onservation-withdrawal"-like response, characterized by an enhanced vagal t one, a decrease in heart rate, and a moderate sympathetic coactivation (as indicated by a shortened PEP and an increased systolic pressure). The memor y test induced an increase in the concentration and, to a lesser extent, in the output of S-IgA, IgA1, and SC. The output of IgA2 was not significantl y affected. For the surgical video, a different pattern emerged: During str essor exposure S-IgA remained unaffected, against the background of a small increase in SC output. However. 10 min after the surgical video S-IgA leve ls had decreased. This decrease in S-IgA was paralleled by a decrease in Ig A1, but not IgA2. We conclude that acute stress can have both enhancing and suppressive effects on secretory immunity, the IgA1 Subclass in particular . The mechanisms that underlie these divergent responses may include stress or-specific patterns of autonomic activation.