Elsevier

Psychiatry Research

Volume 16, Issue 3, November 1985, Pages 233-239
Psychiatry Research

Stress-related impairments in cellular immunity

https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1781(85)90111-8Get rights and content

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 stinulation by phytotemagglutinin and concanavillin 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 illness.

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Ronald Glaser, Ph.D., is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Dr. Glaser is also associated with the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Julie C. Stout, B.A., is a research assistant, and Kathleen L. Tarr, B.S., is a graduate student in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Carl E. Speicher, M.D., is Professor and Director of Clinical Laboratories in the Department of Pathology. Jane E. Holliday is a research associate in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. All are in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 333 West 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

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