IMMUNE FUNCTION IN MARATHON RUNNERS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (2) , 73-75
Abstract
Quantitative IgG, IgA, IgM and leukocyte phagocytosis and killing were studied in 20 male marathon runners to determine if rigorous physical conditioning affects immune function. C3 [complement component 3], C4, Properdin Factor B, T and B cells, and phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes were determined in selected runners. Complete blood counts, including platelets, were obtained for the group. Mean values for IgG, IgA and IgM were within normal limits. Ten runners (50%) had slightly low total lymphocyte counts (less then 1500/mm3). Leukocyte phagocytosis and killing was consistently normal. Nine marathoners felt that running had increased, and one felt that it had decreased their resistance to respiratory infections. This could not be correlated with significant changes in immune parameters. Long distnce running apparently has no effect on immune function.