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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(12): 1010-1014
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038737
Immunology

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lymphocyte and Cytokines after Short Periods of Exercise

J. Prestes1 , C. K. O. de Ferreira1 , R. Dias1 , A. B. Frollini1 , F. F. Donatto1 , M. F. Cury-Boaventura2 , M. G. Guereschi1 , T. C. Pithon-Curi2 , R. Verlengia1 , A. C. Palanch1 , R. Curi2 , C. R. Cavaglieri1
  • 1Health Science Faculty, Methodist University of Piracicaba, Piracicaba, Brazil
  • 2Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Publication History

accepted after revision May 5, 2008

Publication Date:
03 July 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of short periods of exercise of different intensity on lymphocyte function and cytokines. Thirty Wistar rats, 2 months old, were used. They were divided into five groups of six rats: a sedentary control group; a group exercised for 5 minutes at low intensity (5 L); a group exercised for 15 minutes at low intensity (15 L); and groups exercised at moderate intensity (additional load of 5 % of body weight) for 5 minutes (5 M) or for 15 minutes (15 M). The parameters measured were: total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes from lymph nodes, serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α), lymphocyte mitochondrial transmembrane potential, viability and DNA fragmentation. ANOVA two way followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05) was used. The exercised groups exhibited a significant increase in total leukocytes, tissue and circulating lymphocytes in comparison with the control group. There was a significant decrease in lymphocyte viability and decrease in DNA fragmentation for the 15 M group when compared with the control. There was a decrease in the level TNF-α in the 5 M and 15 M groups. Short-term, low- and moderate-intensity exercise may be considered for sedentary individuals beginning to exercise, since no deleterious alterations were observed in lymphocyte function.

Key words

physical exercise - leukocytes - immune function - lymphocytes - cytokines

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Jonato Prestes

Methodist University of Piracicaba
Health Sciences Faculty

Major José Inácio st, n. 2400

13560161 São Carlos

Brazil

Phone: + 55 (16) 33 76 13 90

Fax: + 55 (19) 31 24 15 15

Email: jonatop@gmail.com