Hyperthermia in humans enhances interferon-gamma synthesis and alters the peripheral lymphocyte population.
Induction of hyperthermia (39 degrees C) in human volunteers by immersion in warm water (41-45 degrees C) rapidly alters the cell populations in the peripheral blood. In addition to granulocytosis, there is an alteration of the normal ratios among T-lymphocyte subsets. Following in vitro mitogen stimulation, lymphocytes from hyperthermic individuals produce as much as 10-fold more interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) than cells withdrawn at basal core temperatures from the same individuals. A temperature threshold of 39 degrees C for this response suggests potential relevance to fever. No change was noted in the activity of the macrophage population. The possible involvement of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in this enhanced production is discussed. No changes were noted in the circulating levels of IFN-gamma.
D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma