Effect of Maximal Physical Exercise on T-Lymphocyte Subpopulations and on Interleukin 1 (IL 1) and Interleukin 2 (IL 2) Production in Vitro

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine 1988-04, Vol.9 (2), p.114-117
• Main Authors: Lewicki, R., Tchórzewski, H., Majewska, E., Nowak, Z., Baj, Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Interleukin-1 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-2 - biosynthesis; Leukocyte Count; Male; Physical Exertion; T-Lymphocytes - classification; Vertebrates: blood, hematopoietic organs, reticuloendothelial system
• ISSN: 0172-4622; 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024990

Abstract Maximal physical exercise was performed on a Monark bicycle ergometer according to individual schemes. The investigations were carried out on 11 highly trained cyclists, aged 20±1 years. Heart rate (HR) amounting to about 200 bts/min and oxygen consumption stabilization were considered as criteria for maximal physical exercise. Lymphocyte phenotypes were determined using monoclonal antibodies. A significant increase in Ts (suppressor, cytotoxic) and a moderate increase in Th (helper, inducer) and NK (natural killer) cell numbers were noted 3 min after maximal physical exercise. At the same time, a significant diminution of the Th/Ts ratio was observed. A significant increase of interleukin 1 production and a diminished interleukin 2 production as well as spontaneous interleukin 2 receptor expression (Tac antigen) were observed at the same time. After a 2-h recovery, there was a normalization of most of the parameters investigated. The results suggest that maximal physical exercise in highly trained bicycle racers generates transient changes in immune cell function.