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Published on: March 30, 2018
Acute exercise stimulates macrophage function: possible role of NF-kappaB pathways
Elza M S Silveira1, Mariana F Rodrigues, Maurício S Krause
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|August 15, 2006
Summary
An acute exercise session enhances macrophage immune functions, including phagocytosis and nitric oxide production, via nuclear factor-kappaB dependent induction of NOS-2, without causing systemic oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Regular physical activity benefits the immune system, enhancing resistance to infections and cancer.
- The precise mechanisms by which exercise influences immune function, particularly after an acute session, remain largely unknown.
- Understanding exercise-induced immune responses is crucial for optimizing health and disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of an acute swimming session on the function and activation of circulating monocytes/macrophages in sedentary rats.
- To examine the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide by macrophages following exercise.
- To assess the expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and markers of cellular stress.
Main Methods:
- Sedentary rats underwent a 1-hour swimming session.
- Circulating monocytes/macrophages were isolated and tested for phagocytosis of zymosan particles.
- Hydrogen peroxide production, nitric oxide release, and expression of NOS-1, NOS-2, and NOS-3 were measured.
- Systemic oxidative stress markers (TBARS, GSH/GSSG ratio) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression were assessed.
Main Results:
- Macrophage phagocytic capacity increased 2.4-fold post-exercise.
- Phorbol myristate acetate-induced hydrogen peroxide release elevated 9.6-fold.
- Nitrite basal production increased by 95.5%, associated with marked expression of NOS-2.
- No significant changes in systemic oxidative stress markers or HSP70 expression were observed.
Conclusions:
- An acute exercise bout activates macrophages, enhancing their immune functions.
- The observed effects are mediated by the nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent induction of NOS-2.
- Exercise-induced macrophage activation appears to be regulated by local factors rather than systemic stress.
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