Relation between aerobic fitness level and stress induced alterations in neuroendocrine and immune function

Alterations in neuroendocrine and immune function were examined in sedentary (n = 15) ((V) over dotO(2)peak; 31.4 +/- 0.7 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); 24.4 +/- 1.2 yr), moderately active (n =15) ((V) over dotO(2)peak; 45.4 +/- 1.1 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); 24.2 +/- 1.1 yr) and aerobically trained (n = 15) ((V) over dotO(2)peak; 58.8 +/- 0.9 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); 24.3 +/- 1.0 yr) men following exposure to an acute mild psychological stressor. Subjects had 2 min to prepare, and 3 min to deliver a speech in front of 3 observers. Blood samples were drawn from an indwelling catheter before, during and 30 min following the speech task (ST). Self-reported measures of anxiety were obtained prior to and immediately following the stressor. The ST resulted in significant alterations in the number and function of immune cells, and in self-reported anxiety scores. Plasma levels of norepinephrine increased during the speech task. The neuroendocrine and immune response to the chosen stressor were independent of subject aerobic fitness level.