Abstract
The total number of leucocytes, T lymphocyte subsets, mitogen induced proliferation
of lymphocytes, Il-2 generation, adherence capacity and chemiluminescence of granulocytes
were measured and a leukergy test performed in fifteen young cyclists. The investigations
were carried out at rest at the beginning of a training season and after six months
of intensive training and a racing season, cycling approximately 500 km a week. Baseline
values of the tested immune parameters were within the range observed in 16 non-trained
healthy controls except significantly increased non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence.
The second cyclo-ergometer test in August showed a marked improvement in the performance
capacity of the cyclists. Significant decrease in absolute numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ cells, diminished IL-2 generation and fMLP and PMA stimulated chemiluminescence of
neutrophils were noted. Surprisingly, a marked increase in lymphocyte proliferation
induced by PHA and anti-CD3 MoAb and normalisation in non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence
were also observed at rest after the training season. We conclude that long-lasting
intensive training may result in significant alterations in lymphocyte number and
composition and in neutrophil oxidative burst capacity, but their actual significance
for immunity is seen controversially.
Key words
Effort - immune system - neutrophile function - adaptation