European Journal of Applied Physiology

, Volume 93, Issue 5–6, pp 665–671 | Cite as

Salivary IgA response to prolonged exercise in a hot environment in trained cyclists

  • S. J. Laing
  • D. Gwynne
  • J. Blackwell
  • M. Williams
  • R. Walters
  • N. P. Walsh
Original Article
First Online:
Accepted:

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged exercise in hot conditions on saliva IgA (s-IgA) responses in trained cyclists. On two occasions, in random order and separated by 1 week, 12 male cyclists cycled for 2 h on a stationary ergometer at 62 (3)% V̇O2 max [194 (4) W; mean (SEM)], on one occasion (HOT: 30.3°C, 76% RH) and on another occasion (CONTROL: 20.4°C, 60% RH). Water was available ad-libitum. Venous blood samples and 2-min whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected at pre, post and 2 h post-exercise. The s-IgA concentration was determined using a sandwich-type ELISA. Exercising heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, rectal temperature, corrected body mass loss (P<0.01) and plasma cortisol (P<0.05) were greater during HOT. The decrease in plasma volume post-exercise was similar on both trials [HOT: −6.7 (1.1) and CONTROL: −6.6 (1.3)%; P<0.01]. Saliva flow rate decreased post-exercise by 43% returning to pre-exercise levels by 2 h post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. Saliva IgA concentration increased post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. Saliva IgA secretion rate decreased post-exercise by 34% returning to pre-exercise levels by 2 h post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. These data show that a prolonged bout of exercise results in a reduction in s-IgA secretion rate. Additionally, these data demonstrate that performing prolonged exercise in the heat, with ad libitum water intake, does not influence s-IgA responses to prolonged exercise.

Keywords

Cycling Immune system Immunoglobulin-A Saliva 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2004

Authors and Affiliations

  • S. J. Laing
    • 1
  • D. Gwynne
    • 1
  • J. Blackwell
    • 1
  • M. Williams
    • 1
  • R. Walters
    • 2
  • N. P. Walsh
    • 1
  1. 1.School of Sport, Health and Exercise SciencesUniversity of WalesBangor UK
  2. 2.Haematology DepartmentYsbyty GwyneddBangorUK

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