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B-1 cell (CD5+/CD11b+) numbers and nIgM levels are elevated in physically active vs. sedentary rats
Gwendolyn F Elphick1, Julie Wieseler-Frank, Benjamin N Greenwood
1Department of Intergrative Phsiololgy, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0354, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|March 26, 2003
Summary
Regular exercise boosts immune function by increasing B-1 cells, which produce natural IgM (nIgM). This study shows physical activity enhances B-1 cell numbers and nIgM levels, contributing to exercise
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Moderate exercise is linked to improved health and reduced illness, potentially through enhanced immune function.
- Previous research demonstrated that daily wheel running increases serum and peritoneal natural IgM (nIgM) in rats.
- B-1 cells, a type of immune cell residing in the peritoneal cavity, are known producers of nIgM without antigen stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if physical activity increases B-1 cell numbers in specific immune compartments.
- To determine the effect of voluntary running on B-1 cell populations in the peritoneal cavity, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes.
Main Methods:
- Male, pathogen-free Fischer 344 rats were divided into sedentary and physically active (running wheel access) groups for 6-7 weeks.
- Immune cells from the peritoneal cavity, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen were collected.
- Two-color flow cytometry was used to quantify the number of CD5+/CD11b+ (B-1) cells.
Main Results:
- Physically active rats exhibited a significant increase in the number of CD5+/CD11b+ (B-1) cells within the peritoneal cavity.
- Consistent with prior findings, active animals also showed elevated levels of serum and peritoneal nIgM.
- Voluntary running selectively augmented the B-1 cell population in the studied immune sites.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary physical activity, such as wheel running, selectively expands the B-1 cell population.
- The increase in B-1 cells is likely responsible for the elevated nIgM levels observed in active rats.
- These exercise-induced immunological changes may contribute to the overall health benefits associated with regular physical activity, particularly in host defense.