Exercise Intensity and Lymphocyte Subset Apoptosis

Abstract

This investigation assessed the lymphocyte subset response to increasing intensity. Participants completed an exertion test (VO_2max), and later performed a 10-min run at 76% VO_2max, 5-min at 87%, and run to exhaustion at 100% intensity. Blood was sampled at rest, following each intensity, and 1-h post. Cell concentration, apoptosis (annexin V) and migration (CX₃CR1) were evaluated in CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ subsets. Relative data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA with significance at P≤0.05. Absolute changes from rest (Δ baseline) were calculated for exercise conditions. CX₃CR1 displayed relative changes 1-h post, (CD8+ Pre=58%, Post=68%, 1 h-Post=37%, P=0.04) (CD19+ Pre=1.9%, Post=3.2%, 1 h-Post=5.2%, P=0.02). No relative changes were noted for subsets and annexin V. Absolute changes revealed that CD4+/annexin V+ and CD8+/annexin V+ significantly increased at 76%,(P<0.01). Significant absolute increases were observed in CD4+/CX₃CR1 at 87% VO_2max, and at 87% and 100% VO_2max in CD8+/CX₃CR1 (P<0.01). Subsets respond differently with intensity with respect to cell count, and markers of apoptosis and cell migration. CD4+ and CD8+ appear to be prone to apoptosis with moderate exercise, but significant increases in migration at higher intensities suggests movement of these cells from the vasculature in postexercise measurements.

Key words

leukocyte subfractions - lymphocytosis - programmed cell death - fractalkine - muscular activity - annexin V

• References

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