Resumen de Salivary Immunoglobulin A Response to a Collegiate Rugby Game
Alexander J. Koch, Amanda D. Wherry, Matthew Petersen
Koch, A.J., A.D. Wherry, M.C. Petersen, J.C. Johnson, M.K. Stuart., and W.L. Sexton. Salivary immunoglobulin A response to a collegiate rugby game. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(1): 86-90. 2007.-Transient fluctuations in immune function after heavy exercise have been linked to an increased incidence of infection in athletes. Several parameters of immunity, including salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), are affected by heavy exercise in the laboratory setting. However, few observations have been made during true competition. We tested the hypothesis that salivary IgA levels will be decreased after a collegiate rugby game. Saliva samples obtained from 16 men's college rugby players before and after an 80-minute regulation rugby game were analyzed for total volume, IgA, total protein content, and osmolality. Salivary IgA was expressed relative to secretion rate (s-IgA), osmolality (IgA-Osm), and total protein (IgA-Pro). No significant pregame-postgame changes in salivary IgA were observed (s-IgA: ?13%, IgA-Osm: ?16%, IgA-Pro: +10%). These data indicate that strenuous physical activity, such as a competitive rugby game, does not affect IgA levels. More study on the immune response to athletic competition is needed.
