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Activation of leukocytes during prolonged physical exercise
K Kokot1, R M Schaefer, M Teschner
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wuerzburg, FRG.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Physical exercise increases circulating leukocytes and causes degranulation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. However, prolonged exertion impairs the ability of white blood cells to generate oxygen radicals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical exercise is known to increase circulating leukocytes.
- Monocytes and macrophages show enhanced interleukin-1 secretion during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of physical exertion on polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte activity.
- To assess oxygen radical formation and degranulation in PMN leukocytes after exercise.
Main Methods:
- Determined phorbol-stimulated chemiluminescence (oxygen radical formation) and leukocytic elastase release (degranulation) after short-term (2,000m) and long-term (10,000m) running.
- Measured plasma levels of PMN elastase and circulating leukocyte counts.
Main Results:
- Circulating leukocyte counts increased significantly after both short-term (+21%) and long-term (+61%) exercise.
- Long-term exercise induced a significant increase in plasma elastase levels (from 107 to 300 ng/ml), indicating substantial neutrophil degranulation.
- Short-term exercise showed only a minor increase in elastase levels.
- Phorbol-stimulated chemiluminescence decreased post-exercise, suggesting impaired oxygen radical generation.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise, particularly prolonged exertion, leads to degranulation of PMN leukocytes.
- Exercise can impair the capacity of white blood cells to generate oxygen radicals.