Abstract
Purpose: We examined whether exercise-induced lymphocytosis and lymphocytopenia are impaired with high-intensity training. Methods: Eight trained cyclists (V̇O2max = 64.2 ± 6.5 mL•kg -1•min-1) undertook 1 wk of normal-intensity training and a second week of high-intensity training. On day 7 of each week, participants performed a cycling task, consisting of 120 min of submaximal exercise followed by a 45-min time trial. Blood was collected before, during, and after exercise. CD8+ T lymphocytes (CD8TLs) were identified, as well as CD8TL subpopulations on the basis of CD45RA and CD27 expression. Results: High-intensity training (18,577 ± 10,984 cells per microliter × ∼165 min) was associated with a smaller exercise-induced mobilization of CD8+TLs compared with normal-intensity training (28,473 ± 16,163 cells per microliter × ∼165 min, P = 0.09). The response of highly cytotoxic CD8+TLs (CD45RA+CD27 -) to exercise was smaller after 1 wk of high-intensity training (3144 ± 924 cells per microliter × ∼165 min) compared with normal-intensity training (6417 ± 2143 cells per microliter × ∼165 min, P < 0.05). High-intensity training reduced postexercise CD8+TL lymphocytopenia (-436 ± 234 cells per microliter) compared with normal-intensity training (-630 ± 320 cells per microliter, P < 0.05). This was driven by a reduced egress of naive CD8+TLs (CD27+CD45RA+). High-intensity training was associated with reduced plasma epinephrine (-37%) and cortisol (-15%) responses (P < 0.05). Conclusions: High-intensity training impaired CD8+TL mobilization and egress in response to exercise. Highly cytotoxic CD8 +TLs were primarily responsible for the reduced mobilization of CD8+TLs, which occurred in parallel with smaller neuroendocrine responses. The reduced capacity for CD8+TLs to leave blood after exercise with high-intensity training was accounted for primarily by naive, and also, highly cytotoxic CD8+TLs. This impaired CD8+TL redistribution in athletes undertaking intensified training may imply reduced immune surveillance.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1689-1697 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Medicine and science in sports and exercise |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2012 |
Keywords
- CD8 T lymphocytes
- Exercise training
- cortisol
- epinephrine
- humans
- immune surveillance