Stress-related impairments in cellular immunity

Psychiatry Res. 1985 Nov;16(3):233-9. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(85)90111-8.

Abstract

The percentages of total T-lymphocytes (OKT-3+), helper T-cells (OKT-4+), and suppressor T-cells (OKT-8+) were significantly lower in blood samples obtained from 40 medical students during examinations, compared to baseline values obtained 6 weeks earlier. In addition, the response of T-lymphocytes to stimulation by phytohemagglutinin and concanavilin A was also significantly lower during examinations, compared to baseline. Self-report data documented significantly greater distress associated with examinations. The data have implications for immunosuppressive disorders and stress-related illnesses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Stress, Psychological / blood
  • Stress, Psychological / immunology*
  • Students, Medical / psychology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory