Acute psychological stress induces short-term variable immune response.

In spite of advances in understanding the cross-talk between the peripheral immune system and the brain, the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid adaptation of the immune system to an acute psychological stressor remain largely unknown. Conventional approaches to classify molecular factors mediating these responses have targeted relatively few biological measurements or explored cross-sectional study designs, and therefore have restricted characterization of stress-immune interactions. This exploratory study analyzed transcriptional profiles and flow cytometric data of peripheral blood leukocytes with physiological (endocrine, autonomic) measurements collected throughout the sequence of events leading up to, during, and after short-term exposure to physical danger in humans.

Effects of training and strenuous exercise on hematologic values and peripheral blood leukocyte subsets in racing sled dogs.

Objective: To determine the effects of training and sustained submaximal exercise on hematologic values in racing sled dogs.

Design: Cohort study.

Animals: 39 Alaskan sled dogs bred for endurance racing.

Negative mood endures after completion of high-altitude military training.

Background: Associations between physical and emotional stress and negative mood states have been documented in a variety of populations. In military personnel, more physical symptoms and decrements in ability to perform critical tasks have been shown to accompany such stress-induced negative mood. Most research in this area has focused on immediate effects of stress on mood.

Exercise improves plasma lipid profiles and modifies lipoprotein composition in guinea pigs.

These studies were conducted to determine the effects of exercise training on plasma lipoprotein levels and metabolism in the guinea pig to evaluate potential utilization of this model for studies of exercise-mediated effects on the regulation of sterol and lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis regression. Male guinea pigs (n = 5 per group) were randomly assigned to either a control or an exercise group. The exercise protocol consisted of a 7-week training program, 5 days/wk on a rodent treadmill.