| Abstract: | Several studies have shown that exposure to acute laboratory stressors produces an immediate change in immune function. We examined the effects of a mild laboratory stressor on natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and on psychological and cardiovascular measures in 24 adult males. Subjects in the experimental condition worked on the Stroop task without interference for 30 min with blood samples drawn at baseline, 10, 20, and 30 min into the task, and 40 min after completing the task. The 30-min stressor produced increases in self-reported stress and tension, and in SBP, DBP, and HR. It was also associated with a decrease in NK cell cytotoxicity 40 min after the stressor. Results are discussed in relation to the effects of mild and intense stressors and future research implications. |
