Effect of Strenuous Physical Activity on Cortisol and Leukocyte in Mice
Abstract: Strenuous physical
activities cause an increase in free radicals, physical stress, psychological
stress and decreased immunity. Psychological stress affects the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to increased levels of
cortisol and blood cell apoptosis. However, the studies on the effect of
strenuous physical activities on cortisol levels and leukocyte count showed
inconsistent findings. Objectives: To examine the effect of strenuous exercise
on cortisol levels and leukocytes count.
Methods: In this study with post test only control group design, 15 male
BALB/c mice were randomly assinged to the following 3 groups: control
(non-exercised) group (G-0), once strenouse physical activity (G-1), 3 times
strenuous physical activity (G-2). Cortisol levels were evaluated by
ELISA.White blood count was determined. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA
test followed by Post Hoc and Pearson, with a confidence level of 95%.
Results: The mean cortisol level in group G-0, G-1, G-2 were 11.86 ±
2.10μg/dL, 32.00 ± 0.86μg/dL, 44.58 ± 1.74μg/dL respectively. The number of
leukocytes in G-0, G-1, G-2 were 6180±540.37/mm3, 4650±217.94/mm3,
4180±130.38/mm3 respectively. One way ANOVA showed a significant difference
between groups (p <0.001). Post Hoc Test showed that the levels cortisol in
G-1 and G-2 were significantly higher than thatof G-0 (p <0.001). The number
of leukocyte in G-1 and G-2 was lower than that of G-0 (p <0.001). There was
a significant negative correlation between cortisol levels and the number of
leukocytes (r = -20.14, p <0.001).
Conclusions: Strenuous physical activity increasescortisol levels and
decrease the number of leukocytes in BALB /c mice.
Keywords: strenuous physical
activity; cortisollevel; the number of leukocytes.
Author: Mushidah Mushidah,
Taufiqurrahman Nasihun, Atina Hussaana
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160199
