Question

Indicate how the endocrine system could affect the immune response to:

- A maximal bout of exercise (give specific examples)

- Exercising for 30 minutes at 60% VO2max (give specific examples)

Answer 1

There are studies correlating effects of physical activity on  immunity, people in older age group where immunity is subsiding gradually due to aging exercise can induce it if performed correctly. There are evidences that multiple single bout of exercise     for immunity increase is there.

These may activate the circulating immuno competent cells like neutrophil,monocytes,macrophages and activate interleukin s. But in long term period exercise or chronically exercised person there may be change in catecholamines e.g neuro-endocrine response and adrenergeric receptors which become less active while the person become gradually habituated with the exercise process.Though regular exercise has a seemingly bright side over its effect on cardiovascular system

One example is like that

Study showed that circulating neutrophils in exercise may deplete the oxidative stress in body after exercise . All the macrophages are scavenger cells Moreover regular exercise induce a downregulated adhesion of platelets in vascular endothelium playing a significant role in eliminating Ischemic heart diseases.

Exercise intensity or dose  and duration also have their effect on immune system..

  Regular  exercise in moderate intensity (60%VO2 max ) have an increased effect on immune system .it will increase the quality of life by enhancing immune system, via increasing effect on natural killer cells (NK cells) response and circulating neutrophils actions .

Point to be noted ........ though an intense exercise 80-90%VO2 max may make the person fatigued,and transiently susceptibie  to infection which may occur due to depletion of those immune modulating cells.