Hypnosis as a modulator of cellular immune dysregulation during acute stress.
To assess the influence of a hypnotic intervention on cellular immune function during a commonplace stressful event, the authors selected 33 medical and dental students on the basis of hypnotic susceptibility. Initial blood samples were obtained during a lower stress period, and a second sample was drawn 3 days before the first major exam of the term. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to hypnotic-relaxation training in the interval between samples. Participants in the hypnotic group were, on average, protected from the stress-related decrements that were observed in control participants' proliferative responses to 2 mitogens, percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, and interleukin 1 production by peripheral blood leukocytes. More frequent hypnotic-relaxation practice was associated with higher percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes. These data provide encouraging evidence that interventions may reduce the immunological dysregulation associated with acute stressors.
Kiecolt-Glaser
J K
JK
Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus 43210, USA. kiecolt-glaser.1@osu.edu
Marucha
P T
PT
Atkinson
C
C
Glaser
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D007375:Interleukin-1