| Problem. Interferon-gamma (IFNg) and Interleukin-2 (IL2) are produced by activated T lymphocytes and augment both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. The purpose of the study was three fold: (1) to determine whether exercise enhanced IFNg and IL2 induction, (2) to determine the role of core temperature (Tc) in the above response, and (3) to investigate the relationships between plasma catecholamine levels and lymphokine induction.;Methods. Eight men exercised at 60 percent VO;Results. The results were analyzed by a two way ANOVA (condition by time) with repeated measures on both factors. IFNg and IL2 levels increased significantly (p ;Conclusions. The data suggested that exercise may stimulate immunity, and that elevated Tc may partially account for the enhanced IFNg and IL2 induction. Blood levels of catecholamines increased more with exercise than with heating, suggesting a possible role of these hormones in augmenting in vivo IFNg and IL2 induction. |
