The influence of transmeridian flight on human circulating lymphocytes.
We studied the influence of transmeridian flight on the number of circulating lymphocytes, which have a circadian rhythm with low values in the daytime. The number of T lymphocytes was found to be higher than the baseline value, yet its rhythmicity was maintained after eastward flight with an 8-h time difference. The number of OKB2+ as well as Leu11+ cells were suppressed after the flight. The change in the number of T lymphocytes occurred due to the increased number of OKT4+ lymphocytes. There was no correlation between the number of OKT4+ lymphocytes and the plasma cortisol level, though plasma cortisol is a major factor in regulating the number of lymphocytes. These data showed that the number of helper/inducer T lymphocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells were affected by the physical conditions experienced after the flight. The changes in T lymphocytes were independent of those of plasma cortisol levels.
Ohkoshi
H
H
Flight Crew Medical Service Department, Japan Airlines, Tokyo.
Asukata
I
I
Tajima
N
N
Yamamoto
K
K
Sasaki
M
M
Hokari
M
M
Sakai
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D014195:Travel
D006854:Hydrocortisone