Effect of Interleukin-2 on the humoral link of immunity during physical activity

Abstract

The effect of physical activity can be considered as a prototype of stress with all the shifts in hormonal and immune systems that are inherent in the body’s response to stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of immunoglobulins during the process of adaptation to physical activity under conditions of stimulation and inhibition of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Five groups of mice were organized. Group 1 received an inhibitor of IL-2, Groups II, III and IV received IL-2 at concentrations of 5000, 7500 and 30,000 IU/kg, respectively, Group V received physiological saline only. The method of forced swimming was used as physical training. To determine the effect of IL-2 on humoral immunity during adaptation to physical training, blood levels of adrenaline, IgG, IgA and IgM were determined. In all groups anadrenaline concentration increased owing to physical activity. Furthermore, animals receiving IL-2 showed a higher level of adrenaline than animals in other experimental groups. This effect was dose-dependent. The IgG level increased in mice that received IL-2 while exercising. IgA and IgM levels remained independent of IL-2 stimulation, although the IgA level slightly varied in mice that received an inhibitor of IL-2. In all experimental groups IgA and IgM levels decreased irrespective of IL-2 stimulation and inhibition, the decrease was caused by physical training only. Blood tests of animals from all experimental groups showed a change in the ratio of immunoglobulins, that is an increase in the relative content of IgG during physical training and a decrease in the relative content of IgA and IgM.