The effect of strenuous exercise, calorie deficiency and sleep deprivation on white blood cells, plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines

Moderate exercise appears to stimulate the immune system, but there is good evidence that intense exercise can cause immune deficiency. In the present study the authors examined the effect of continuous physical exercise (35% of VO2 max), calorie deficiency and sleep deprivation on the immune system of young men participating in a 5-7 days military training course. There was a two-three fold increase of neutrophils from day 1, the values remained high and decreased slightly at the end of the course. Monocyte counts also increased with a pattern similar to that of neutrophils. Eosinophils decreased to 30% of control and lymphocyte numbers decreased by 30-40%. All the major subgroups (CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells. NK cells) were reduced. Neutrophil function, as tested by measuring chemotaxis, was significantly stimulated during the first days of the course, in particular in the group with the lowest calorie intake. The mitogenic response of lymphocytes to PHA and Con A was variable, ranging from stimulation during one course to no effect in another course. Serum levels of immunoglobulins decreased significantly during the course. IgG was reduced by 6-7%, IgA by 10-20% and IgM by 20-35%. The authors found no changes of interleukin 1, 2 and 4 during the course, but a (12-20%) reduction (P < 0.01) of interleukin 6, and an increase (P < 0.01) of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. Altogether the results from the ranger course present a mixed-up picture. The non-specific phagocyte-related immunity was enhanced. On the other hand, the data indicate that even a moderate physical activity, around the clock, caused significant suppression of a number of parameters reflecting the status of the specific, lymphocyte-related immunity. It is noteworthy, however, that there was no significantly increased infection rate during the course or in the first 4-5 weeks thereafter.