Effects of exercise stress on various immune functions in horses

Wong, C.W.; Smith, S. E.; Thong, Y.H.; Opdebeeck, J.P.; Thornton, J.R.

Effects of exercise stress on various immune functions in horses

1992

Wong, C.W. | Smith, S. E. (Susan E) | Thong, Y.H. | Opdebeeck, J.P. | Thornton, J.R.

Chemotactic locomotion and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of neutrophils, mitogen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis, serum cortisol concentration, immunoglobulin quantification, and leukocyte counts were determined to evaluate the effect of a single strenuous exercise in horses. Increased serum cortisol concentration (P < 0.01) and an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio P < 0.05) indicated that horses had been stressed. The chemotactic index and peak chemiluminescence production decreased significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) 1 day after exercise. Mitogen-induced blastogenesis of lymphocytes and serum immunoglobulin values remained unchanged in response to exercise. Results of this study indicated that a single bout of exercise may transiently impair neutrophil antimicrobial functions and nonspecific defense mechanisms, but not specific immunity in horses.

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