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Salivary levels of immunoglobulin A in Triathletes
Author(s) -
Steerenberg Peter A.,
Asperen Ilse A.,
Amerongen Arievan Nieuw,
Biewenga Jeike,
Mol Damaris,
Medema Gertjan
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0722.1997.tb00245.x
Subject(s) - antibody , saliva , immunoglobulin a , immunoglobulin g , medicine , immunology
We Investigated whether the physical exercise of an olympic distance triathlon affected the salivary lgA exerction of triathletes, ad a Biomarker for mucosal immune defence. 42 triathletes participated in the study. It was found that the salivary flow rate was decreased significantly after the race, thereby resulting in a significant reducation of the total salivary lgA output. The salivary Lga concentration (Mg lga/ml) did not differ, but expressed as total salivary protein, a significant reduction was observed. This was on the account of the salivary protein concentration (mg protein/ml), which was significantly increased, in contrast to the lgA secretion, the salivary amylase actitivy was increased significantly after the race. Therefore, our date suggest that the exercise of a triathlon may decrease the level of lgA mediated immune protection at the mucosal surface. As triathletes may during the race be exposed to micro‐organisms present in the swimming water, a decreased IgA‐ mediated immunity during the race may pose triathletes at an increased risk of infections.