Effect of acute stress on B cells and IgA production of large intestine

Abstract

Stress, which has become a public health problem, is an emotional and physical–chemical process inducing a tension that favors the release of cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters and cortisol. The effects of acute stress on the cellular composition and secretion of IgA in large intestine has not yet been described. The secretory IgA plays an important role in host immune response as a first line of defense, including biochemical and cellular defense mechanisms capable of responding rapidly to pathogens. In the present study, acute stress was induced by restriction of movement, and its effect was evaluated in relation to the levels of IgA in intestinal fluid by ELISA and the percentage of T CD4+, T CD8+, B lymphocytes and plasma cells IgA+ in lamina propria by flow cytometry. Serum corticosterone levels were determined to confirm that stress was induced with the model of restraint used and to demonstrate the association of stress with immune system. Corticosterone levels increased in acute stress compared to healthy mice. Significative increase was found in the levels of IgA intestinal fluids. In the large intestine, a increase was observed in CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and the B220+/CD19+ relation, demonstrating the important role that stress plays in the integrity of the mucosal immune system, as well as its relationship to an increased prevalence of infectious diseases. This work was supported by SIP-COFAA-IPN .