Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Measuring Granulocyte and Monocyte Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst Activity in Human Blood
Published on: September 12, 2016
Influence of carbohydrate on immune function following 2 h cycling
David C Nieman1, Dru A Henson, Greg Gojanovich
1Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Fischer Hamilton/Nycom Biochemistry Laboratory, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA. niemandc@appstate.edu
Abstract:
The influence of carbohydrate compared with placebo ingestion on changes in immune cell counts and functions following 2 h intensive cycling was studied in 12 trained cyclists who functioned as their own controls. The subjects performed two tests 2 weeks apart where they cycled for 2 h at approximately 64% Watts(max) while receiving 4 mL x kg(-1) x 15 min(-1) carbohydrate (6%) (Cho) or placebo (Pla) beverages. Blood samples were collected 30 min preexercise, and immediately and 1 h postexercise. The samples were assayed for plasma cortisol and epinephrine, blood leukocyte subset counts, PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and natural killer cell activity (NKCA). Compared with Pla ingestion, Cho attenuated exercise-induced changes in plasma cortisol, blood neutrophil, and monocyte counts, but not in total blood lymphocyte, T cell, and NK cell counts, PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and NKCA. Thus despite a strong attenuating influence of carbohydrate ingestion on exercise-induced changes in plasma cortisol and blood neutrophil and monocyte counts, other immune measures related to lymphocyte subset counts, and function were unaffected.
More Related Videos
04:28Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
Published on: May 18, 2018
07:26Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...