In vivo testing confirms a blunting of the human cell-mediated immune mechanism during space flight

Taylor, Gerald R.; Janney, Robert P.

doi:10.1002/jlb.51.2.129

Cited by 133 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…In addition, reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity to a panel of recall antigens during short duration (4-to 10-day) space missions was reported by Taylor and Janney [8]. The hypothesis that stress hormones play a role in postflight immunological findings (neutrophilia, lymphopenia, reduced T cell blastogenesis) is consistent with observations that adrenergic and corticosteroid receptors are present on both lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) [9,10].…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 75%

“…The presence of band neutrophils late in the flight (day 7) may implicate the presence, or residual influence, of cortisol. Recently, decreased cellular immune function has been demonstrated in-flight by delayed-type hypersensitivity testing on short-term space flights (4-10 days) [8] and a partial explanation may be decreased accumulation of leukocytes due to stress hormones.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Leukocyte subsets and neutrophil function after short-term spaceflight

Stowe

Sams

Mehta³

et al. 1999

Journal of Leukocyte Biology

135

102

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Changes in leukocyte subpopulations and function after spaceflight have been observed but the mechanisms underlying these changes are not well defined. This study investigated the effects of short-term spaceflight (8-15 days) on circulating leukocyte subsets, stress hormones, immunoglobulin levels, and neutrophil function. At landing, a 1.5-fold increase in neutrophils was observed compared with preflight values; lymphocytes were slightly decreased, whereas the results were variable for monocytes. No significant changes were observed in plasma levels of immunoglobulins, cortisol, or adrenocorticotropic hormone. In contrast, urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol were significantly elevated at landing. Band neutrophils were observed in 9 of 16 astronauts. Neutrophil chemotactic assays showed a 10-fold decrease in the optimal dose response after landing. Neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells was increased both before and after spaceflight. At landing, the expression of MAC-1 was significantly decreased while L-selectin was significantly increased. These functional alterations may be of clinical significance on long-duration space missions. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 179-186; 1999.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Leukocyte subsets and neutrophil function after short-term spaceflight

Stowe

Sams

Mehta³

et al. 1999

Journal of Leukocyte Biology

135

102

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Decreased CMI response may lead to viral reactivation, resulting in asymptomatic viral shedding, localized infections, or disseminated infections. Previous studies demonstrated decreased CMI response during space flight [Taylor and Janney, 1992;Taylor, 1993].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation associated with diminished cell-mediated immunity in Antarctic expeditioners

Mehta¹,

et al. 2000

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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses were followed in 16 Antarctic expeditioners during winter-over isolation at 2 Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition stations. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing was used as an indicator of the CMI response, that was evaluated 2 times before winter isolation and 3 times during isolation. At all 5 evaluation times, 8 or more of the 16 subjects had a diminished CMI response. Diminished DTH was observed on every test occasion in 4/16 subjects; only 2/16 subjects exhibited normal DTH responses for all 5 tests. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect EBV DNA in saliva specimens collected before, during, and after the winter isolation. EBV DNA was present in 17% (111/642) of the saliva specimens; all 16 subjects shed EBV in their saliva on at least 1 occasion. The probability of EBV shedding increased (P = 0.013) from 6% before or after winter isolation to 13% during the winter period. EBV appeared in saliva during the winter isolation more frequently (P < 0.0005) when DTH response was diminished than when DTH was normal. The findings indicate that the psychosocial, physical, and other stresses associated with working and living in physical isolation during the Antarctic winter result in diminished CMI and an accompanying increased reactivation and shedding of latent viruses.

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“…Relatively few but important inflight studies demonstrating decreased delayed-type hypersensitivity have underscored the need to determine the extent of immune suppression [2,7]. We have previously shown that stress hormones (i.e., cortisol and catecholamines) played a major role in mediating postflight changes in circulating leukocyte subpopulations and function [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress-Induced Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus in Astronauts

Stowe

Pierson

Feeback

et al. 2000

Neuroimmunomodulation

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Herpesviruses are leading causes of infectious blindness and death in immunocompromised individuals. Impaired cellular immunity, which is known to result in increased frequency and severity of herpesvirus infections, has been demonstrated both during and after spaceflight. Therefore, we examined whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a well-characterized latent herpesvirus, undergoes reactivation in astronauts. Sera from Shuttle astronauts, taken before and after spaceflight, were examined for evidence of EBV reactivation. The geometric mean antibody titer to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) was significantly increased prior to flight compared to baseline (p = 0.0001). After spaceflight, evidence of acute lytic replication was found in which 8- to 64-fold increases in EBV early antigen (EA) antibodies occurred without significant increases in antibodies to measles virus. Additionally, stress-induced shifts in circulating leukocytes and elevated levels of urinary cortisol and epinephrine were found. Overall, significant increases in EA or high VCA/EA antibody titers were found in 8 of 23 (35%) male astronauts and 3 of 5 (60%) female astronauts. These results indicate that stress reactivates EBV prior to flight and suggest that acute lytic replication of EBV occurs during spaceflight.

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In vivo testing confirms a blunting of the human cell-mediated immune mechanism during space flight

Cited by 133 publications

References 7 publications

Leukocyte subsets and neutrophil function after short-term spaceflight

Leukocyte subsets and neutrophil function after short-term spaceflight

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation associated with diminished cell-mediated immunity in Antarctic expeditioners

Stress-Induced Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus in Astronauts

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