title: Assessment of immunological responsiveness in members of International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic 1980/81.
abstract: Analysis of immune responsiveness was performed in members of the IBEA during a controlled trial of acclimatization with cold baths and during the subsequent 71 day period of Antarctic isolation. Several parameters of humoral and cellular immunity were assessed. No differences were found for those individuals who underwent cold-acclimatization in the first phase of the expedition. On the ice-cap all members showed slight elevation of their immunoglobulins, the increase in IgA reaching significance (p less than 0.05). Values returned to normal on returning to Sydney. Enhanced reactivity to the mycobacterium antigen purified protein derivative (PPD) was found on the ice-cap with 4 individuals becoming positive and remaining so on returning to Sydney. There was no obvious exposure to mycobacterium during the expedition but it is recommended that in future expeditions all PPD negative individuals be vaccinated with BCG.
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005101:Expeditions; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000276:immunology*