The effect of intense exercise on the cell-mediated immune response of horses

E. V. Kurcz, L. M. Lawrence, K. W. Kelley, P. A. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lymphocyte blastogenesis and serum cortisol concentrations were measured in intensely exercised horses. Four mature Quarter Horse mares were exercised to fatigue on a motorized treadmill. Blood samples were taken at rest, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 24 hours post-exercise. Peripheral blood mononucleocytes were isolated and cultured with 2 T cell mitogens, concanavalin A (Con A), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to induce proliferation of responsive T cell lymphocytes. In addition, serum cortisol concentrations were measured via a radioimmunoassay. The results reveal a significant suppression of the blastogenic response to Con A (P<.03) and PHA (P<.07) at 30 minutes after exercise. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly increased (P<.05) at 30 minutes post-exercise. These findings suggest that severe, intense exercise may result in a suppression of the cell-mediated immunity and one possible route is through elevated glucocorticoid levels in the blood.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-239
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Equine

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