title: Cytokine production and lymphocyte transformation during stress.
abstract: The production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) and blast transformation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed in medical students writing an academic examination. Blood samples were obtained on three occasions: (1) 1 month prior to the examination during a period of relatively low academic demand; (2) immediately after the examination; and (3) 10 days later. Results indicated that immune responses were significantly different immediately after the examination compared with the baseline and postexam measures. Lymphocyte responsiveness to both concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen was decreased, as was the production of IFN gamma, supporting earlier reports of immunosuppression after relatively commonplace stressors. In contrast to predictions, IL-1 beta production was significantly elevated after the examination. Cortisol levels were also measured, but did not change across the three sample points. Our finding of an increase in IL-1 beta production suggests that stress may have different effects on different cell populations by enhancing the responses of monocytes and depressing those of lymphocytes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dobbin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harth
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: McCain
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cousin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D007375:Interleukin-1; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D003208:Concanavalin A; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D006854:Hydrocortisone