Stress-related impairments in cellular immunity.
The percentages of total T-lymphocytes (OKT-3+), helper T-cells (OKT-4+), and suppressor T-cells (OKT-8+) were significantly lower in blood samples obtained from 40 medical students during examinations, compared to baseline values obtained 6 weeks earlier. In addition, the response of T-lymphocytes to stimulation by phytohemagglutinin and concanavilin A was also significantly lower during examinations, compared to baseline. Self-report data documented significantly greater distress associated with examinations. The data have implications for immunosuppressive disorders and stress-related illnesses.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory