Decreased secretion rate of salivary markers of mucosal immunity, and in particular salivary immunoglobulin A (s-
IgA), have been implicated as risk factors for subsequent episodes of respiratory infection in athletes. IgA is the predominant Ig
in mucosal secretions and acts with innate mucosal defences to provide the ‘first line of defence’ against pathogens and antigens
presented at the mucosa. As well as summarising the evidence concerning the effects of acute exercise and longer-term intensive
training on these markers of mucosal immunity, this review explores the factors that impact upon salivary responses to exercise,
such as method of saliva collection, stimulation of saliva collection and the method of reporting s-IgA data. The influence of
adequate hydration and nutritional supplementation during exercise as well as exercising in extreme environmental conditions on
salivary responses is also explored. Finally, the possible mechanisms underlying the acute and longer-term of effects of exercise
on salivary responses are examined, with particular emphasis on the potential role of the sympathetic nervous system and the
expression and mobilisation of the polymeric Ig receptor.
History
School
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Citation
BISHOP, N. and GLEESON, M., 2009. Acute and chronic effects of exercise on markers of mucosal immunity. Frontiers in Bioscience, 14, pp. 4444 - 4456.