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Altitude, exercise and immune function.

Robert S Mazzeo1

  • 1Dept of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA. mazzeo@colorado.edu

Exercise Immunology Review
|January 3, 2006
PubMed
Summary
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High altitude exposure and exercise can suppress immune function, particularly the mucosal immune system. This effect may be transient, impacting athletes

Area of Science:

  • Environmental physiology
  • Immunology
  • Exercise science

Background:

  • High altitude exposure (hypoxia) alters autonomic and endocrine functions, impacting immune responses.
  • Alpha- and beta-adrenergic pathways play a role in immune regulation at altitude, with effects persisting post-exposure.
  • Combined hypoxia and exercise can exacerbate immune function alterations more than either stressor alone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of acute and chronic high altitude exposure on immune function.
  • To examine the impact of the 'live high-train low' training paradigm on immune responses.
  • To understand the combined effects of hypoxia and exercise on immune suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies on immune function at high altitudes (e.g., Pikes Peak).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of data on interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevation and adrenergic mediation.
  • Evaluation of research on the 'live high-train low' method and salivary IgA levels.

    • Main Results:

    • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated with acute altitude exposure via beta-adrenergic stimulation, persisting due to alpha-adrenergic activation.
    • The 'live high-train low' paradigm, over 18 days, suppressed mucosal immunity, indicated by declining salivary IgA.
    • Evidence suggests an additive effect of hypoxia and exercise in transiently suppressing immune function.

    Conclusions:

    • Combined hypoxia and exercise may transiently suppress immune function in athletes.
    • The 'live high-train low' training strategy requires careful consideration due to potential immune suppression.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term implications for athletes.