Effect of music and auditory stimuli on secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Percept Mot Skills. 1998 Dec;87(3 Pt 2):1163-70. doi: 10.2466/pms.1998.87.3f.1163.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of music and an auditory stimulus on immunoglobulin A (IgA). Groups of college students (N = 66) were exposed to one of four conditions: a 30-min, tone/click presentation; 30 min. of silence; 30 min, of a Muzak tape referred to as "Environmental Music"; and a 30-min. radio broadcast comparable in musical style. Saliva samples collected before and after each 30-min. treatment were assayed for IgA. Analysis indicated significant increases in IgA for the Muzak condition (n = 20) but not for any of the other conditions. Possible mechanisms of action and implications for immunocompetence are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Auditory Perception / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence / physiology
  • Immunodiffusion
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis*
  • Male
  • Music*
  • Radio
  • Saliva / chemistry*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A