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East Tennessee State University

The Effect of Acute Exercise on Neutrophils and Oxidative Stress.

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This study tested the hypothesis that high intensity exercise, independent of total oxygen consumption, results in the most significant elevations in neutrophil (PMN) counts and blood oxidative stress (OS). This study also tested the hypothesis that active individuals have a blunted PMN and OS responses to acute exercise as compared to less active individuals. Nine males (18 – 30 yrs.) participated in 1 maximal (Max) and 3 sub-maximal exercise sessions. The 3 sub-max trials were: 1) LT<sub>plus</sub>, 45 min. above lactate threshold (LT), 2) LT<sub>minus</sub>, 45 min. below LT, and 3) LT<sub>plus</sub>CE, below LT until total oxygen consumption equaled (about 60 min) the LT<sub>plus</sub> trial. Blood was drawn before and immediately after, 1hr, and 2hr after exercise for measurement of PMN, myeloperoxidase enzyme (MPO), superoxide (O<sub>2-</sub>), vitamin C (C), urate (U), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid hydroperoxides (LPO). Results indicated an intensity-dependent post exercise PMN increase following Max and LT<sub>plus</sub> (p≤0.05). Post exercise MPO elevations were significant (p≤0.05) and similar for all trials except LT<sub>plus</sub> (NS). Furthermore, O<sub>2-</sub> was elevated immediately following Max exercise, while O<sub>2-</sub>/PMN was not. These data indicate that O<sub>2-</sub> elevations occur as PMN counts increase. Post-max, C (p=0.009), and U (p=0.034) were depleted indicating a significant reduction in plasma antioxidant fortifications. Subjects were separated according to high (n=5) and low (n=4) activity groups based on physical activity history questionnaires. Low activity subjects had higher PMN following maximal exercise. Pre exercise Low – High group differences neared significance for PMN (p=0.068) and O<sub>2-</sub> (p=0.09). High activity subjects had higher plasma C levels before and after exercise. Covariate analysis of dietary C intake demonstrated between group differences in plasma vitamin C levels at rest only. These results indicate that maximal intensity exercise resulted in the greatest increase in circulating PMNs and corresponding OS in blood plasma as identified by antioxidant depletion. This study clearly shows that exercise intensity, not total oxygen consumption, plays a role in post exercise neutrophil recruitment, and blood OS. Finally, these results suggest that regular physical activity and increased antioxidant intakes may attenuate the neutrophil rise and OS produced by maximal intensity exercise.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation - restricted
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Biomedical Sciences
Year dc:date.issued
2002

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Quindry, John Carl

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • Copyright by the authors.

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/631
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1788

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
East Tennessee State University
Base URL
dc.etsu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Quindry, John Carl. The Effect of Acute Exercise on Neutrophils and Oxidative Stress.. Dissertation - restricted thesis, 2002. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/631