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Altered T-lymphocyte response following aggressive encounters in mice
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642.
Physiology & Behavior
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Male mice subjected to fighting exhibit distinct immune responses. Dominant mice show enhanced T-cell activity, while submissive mice display suppressed immune function, highlighting stress-induced immunological changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Behavioral Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intermale aggression in mice serves as a model for psychosocial stress.
- Psychosocial stress significantly impacts physiological functions, notably immune responses.
- T-cell responsiveness is a critical component of the adaptive immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of social dominance and subordination on T-cell immune function in male mice.
- To distinguish between the immunological consequences of physical wounding versus the psychosocial state of dominance/submission.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Daily fighting between male mice, assessing T-cell proliferation and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in dominant, submissive, nonfought, and witness groups.
- Experiment 2: Employed a nonaggressive social test to isolate the effects of the psychosocial state from physical wounding.
Main Results:
- Submissive mice exhibited reduced T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production compared to dominant, nonfought, and witness mice.
- Dominant mice demonstrated significantly elevated T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production compared to all other treatment groups.
- Findings suggest that the psychosocial state of dominance, rather than wounding alone, drives these immunological alterations.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial stress from intermale aggression differentially modulates immune function based on social status.
- Dominance is associated with enhanced T-cell responsiveness, while submission is linked to suppressed immune activity.
- The nature of the stressor (intense physical vs. psychological/mild aggression) influences the immune system's response in a status-dependent manner.