Effect of submaximal physical exercise performed by sedentary men and women on some parameters of the immune system

Submaximal physical exercise by sedentary men and women on a bicycle ergometer for 60 min at 58% (men) and 55% (women) of VO2 max. was evaluated for its effect on the number of total leukocytes (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils and the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte subpopulations, as well as on IgA, IgG and IgM serum immunoglobulin levels as one measure of B-lymphocyte function. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 15 minutes after physical exercise. Exercise did not significantly change the total number of WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes or neutrophils, or the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ positive cells and the IgA and Ig M immunoglobulins. However the serum level of IgG immunoglobulins immediately after exercise was significantly lower than both before (p < 0.001) and 15 min later (p < 0.05). No differences in the results between men and women were detected.