title: The influence of transmeridian flight on human circulating lymphocytes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Flight Crew Medical Service Department, Japan Airlines, Tokyo.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohkoshi
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Asukata
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tajima
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sasaki
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hokari
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sakai
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone