Effects of exercise intensity on salivary antimicrobial proteins and markers of stress in active men

Authors: Allgrove, J.E., Gomes, E., Hough, J. and Gleeson, M.

Journal: Journal of Sports Sciences

Volume: 26

Issue: 6

Pages: 653-661

eISSN: 1466-447X

ISSN: 0264-0414

DOI: 10.1080/02640410701716790

Abstract:

In the present study, we assessed the effects of exercise intensity on salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and salivary lysozyme (s-Lys) and examined how these responses were associated with salivary markers of adrenal activation. Using a randomized design, 10 healthy active men participated in three experimental cycling trials: 50% maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), 75% V̇O2max, and an incremental test to exhaustion. The durations of the trials were the same as for a preliminary incremental test to exhaustion (22.3 min, sx= 0.8). Timed, unstimulated saliva samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 1 h after exercise. In the incremental exhaustion trial, the secretion rates of both s-IgA and s-Lys were increased. An increase in s-Lys secretion rate was also observed at 75% V̇O2max. No significant changes in saliva flow rate were observed in any trial. Cycling at 75% V̇O2max and to exhaustion increased the secretion of α-amylase and chromogranin A immediately after exercise; higher cortisol values at 75% V̇O2max and in the incremental exhaustion trial compared with 50% V̇O2max were observed 1 h immediately after exercise only. These findings suggest that short-duration, high-intensity exercise increases the secretion rate of s-IgA and s-Lys despite no change in the saliva flow rate. These effects appear to be associated with changes in sympathetic activity and not the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Source: Scopus

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