Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(6): 539-542
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-955898
Immunology

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Exercise Intensity on Exercise-Induced Lymphocyte Apoptosis

J. W. Navalta1 , D. A. Sedlock2 , K.-S. Park3
  • 1Department of Physical Education and Recreation, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, USA
  • 2Wastl Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
  • 3Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A & M International University, Laredo, TX, USA
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision September 20, 2006

Publication Date:
15 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

Because lymphocyte apoptosis is significantly elevated immediately following high-intensity exercise in humans, it seems intuitive that the cell death process must be initiated at some point during the task. This study was designed to determine whether exercise-induced lymphocyte apoptosis occurs at a threshold level of intensity, or exists only following maximal or near-maximal exercise intensities. Fourteen untrained subjects completed a discontinuous, incremental treadmill test to exhaustion (V·O2max). Blood for films was sampled before the test, immediately after each work stage, and for 1-h postexercise. Blood smears were stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa and lymphocytes were evaluated for characteristic features of apoptosis. The apoptotic index (AI) during exercise at 38 % V·O2max was similar to pre-exercise but significantly elevated at an intensity approximating 61 % V·O2max (p < 0.0001). Significant increases in apoptosis were noted with additional elevations in exercise intensity (i.e., 76 %, 89 %, and 100 %, p < 0.0001). Following 20 min of recovery, AI was significantly lower than values obtained immediately postexercise (p < 0.0001). Forty minutes of recovery resulted in a further significant decrease (p < 0.0001), and by 1-h postexercise, AI was similar to pre-exercise values. Results indicate that the exercise intensity threshold for inducing an increase in lymphocyte apoptosis occurs between 40 and 60 % V·O2max. In addition, since values return to baseline within 1 h following exhaustive exercise, it is unlikely that factors responsible for the apoptotic response in lymphocytes maintain a prolonged presence once exercise has been terminated.

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J. W. Navalta

Western Kentucky University
Department of Physical Education and Recreation

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11089

Bowling Green

Kentucky 42101 - 1089

USA

Phone: + 27 07 45 60 37

Fax: + 27 07 45 60 43

Email: james.navalta@wku.edu