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Auditory stress induces changes in membrane functions of mouse peritoneal macrophages
V Spehner1, B De Wazieres, L Nicod
1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Franche-Comte, Besançon, France.
Abstract:
Stressful events induce responses in the endocrine and immune systems. The authors analysed the influence of repetitive noise stress on peritoneal macrophage oxidative and phagocytic responses. Plasma corticosterone levels were also measured. Different groups of 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were exposed for 1 night (n = 14) and 3 nights (n = 21) to a sound stress of 110 dB in an audiogenic stress chamber. Control animals were submitted to a sham stress for 1 night (n = 13) and 3 nights (n = 17). A marked decrease was observed in the phagocytic response to yeast (P = 3 x 10(-4)) while a mild increase in the oxidative response stimulated by opsonized zymosan was noted only after the 3 night stress (P = 0.02). Corticosterone levels of control and stressed mice did not differ. These results indicate that the stress resulting from repetitive noise causes modifications in peritoneal macrophage activity, and that these changes are dependent on the duration of stress. These functional alterations seem more complex than a simple general suppression or activation.
Insights
Repetitive noise stress alters immune cells in mice. Short-term noise stress decreased macrophage phagocytic response, while longer stress also mildly increased oxidative response, indicating complex immune changes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Stressful events significantly impact endocrine and immune system functions.
- Peritoneal macrophages play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Understanding the effects of noise stress on immune cells is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of repetitive noise stress on peritoneal macrophage oxidative and phagocytic responses.
- To measure plasma corticosterone levels in response to noise stress.
- To determine if stress duration affects macrophage activity.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of C57BL/6 male mice to 110 dB sound stress for 1 or 3 nights.
- Measurement of peritoneal macrophage phagocytic activity using yeast.
- Assessment of macrophage oxidative response using opsonized zymosan.
- Quantification of plasma corticosterone levels.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in macrophage phagocytic response to yeast after 1 and 3 nights of stress (P = 3 x 10(-4)).
- A mild increase in macrophage oxidative response to zymosan observed only after 3 nights of stress (P = 0.02).
- No significant difference in plasma corticosterone levels between control and stressed mice.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive noise stress induces modifications in peritoneal macrophage activity.
- The duration of noise stress influences the observed changes in macrophage function.
- Immune alterations induced by noise stress are complex, not a simple suppression or activation.