| Abstract: | ![]()
Saliva can be considered a mirror of the body, reflecting its general conditions. The present study was conducted to identify the changes in specific neurotransmitter and prekallikrein levels in saliva and the correlations between changes in neuroendocrine factors in plasma and saliva after intensive physical training of rangers of Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). The subjects were 14 young uniformed males (aged 20–26 years old) who underwent ranger training under the control of the 4th Division of the JGSDF. Before training began and after 30 days of hard training, the levels of prekallikrein, β‐endorphin, serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in saliva and plasma were routinely measured. The level of prekallikrein in saliva was significantly increased after training, and the level of β‐endorphin in saliva showed an upward trend after the training. The level of prekallikrein in plasma showed a significant decrease after the training, while the level of β‐endorphin was unchanged. Average concentrations of values in serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in plasma were significantly increased after the training. These findings suggest that the comparison of levels of prekallikrein and β‐endorphin in saliva and plasma may give useful insights for the estimation of stress‐induced analgesia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
