Effect of music and auditory stimuli on secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA)

This study investigated the effects of music and an auditory stimulus on immunoglobulin A (IgA). Groups of college students (N = 66) were exposed to one of four conditions: a 30-min, tone/click presentation; 30 min. of silence; 30 min, of a Muzak tape referred to as "Environmental Music"; and a 30-min. radio broadcast comparable in musical style. Saliva samples collected before and after each 30-min. treatment were assayed for IgA. Analysis indicated significant increases in IgA for the Muzak condition (n = 20) but not for any of the other conditions. Possible mechanisms of action and implications for immunocompetence are discussed.