Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 1988; 09(1): 77-81
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024983
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Influence of Physical Exercise on Peritoneal Macrophage Functions: Histochemical and Phagocytic Studies

H.-G. Fehr1 , H. Lötzerich1 , H. Michna2 *
  • 1Institute for Experimental Morphology, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
  • 2Institute for Anatomy, Medical Universtity of Lübeck
* This article is cordially dedicated to Prof. Dr. Christiane Stang-Voss in honor to her very special birthday.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Peritoneal murine macrophages were assayed for their enzyme content and phagocytic activity after physical exercise. An endurance training as well as a single exhaustive exercise bout caused increased enzyme and phagocytic activities. However, a homogeneous activation could not be observed. The exhaustively exercised animals delivered macrophages with the highest levels of activation. Therefore, physical exercise has to be listed among the stimuli with macrophage-activating function. The inconsistency between an activating effect of physical exercise on marcrophages and the observation that high-performance athletes suffer more frequently from harmless infectious diseases is discussed.

Key words

macrophages - enzymes - phagocytosis - physical exercise - immune response

      >