Aerobic training increases the stimulated percentage of CD4+CD25+ in older men but not older women

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 May;103(1):79-87. doi: 10.1007/s00421-007-0664-8. Epub 2008 Jan 19.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether 12 months of moderate intensity cycling would increase the expression of IL-2 (CD25+) receptors in T helper (CD4+) lymphocytes in men and women aged 65-75 years. Fourteen men and 10 women completed 52 weeks of moderate intensity cycling (60% VO2peak). Subjects trained (TR) three times per week for 45 min per session. Eight age-matched untrained (UT) male and eight UT female subjects acted as controls. Resting blood samples were taken from TR and UT subjects every 4 weeks. Leukocyte concentration was measured using a full blood count. PHA-stimulated CD4+ lymphocytes were analysed for changes in the expression of CD25+, by flow cytometry. Training significantly increased VO2peak (l min(-1), ml kg(-1) min(-1)) in male (+14.3, +16%) and female (+16.7, +27.8%) groups. The TR male group showed a significantly lower percentage of CD4+CD25+ than the male UT in January but the TR male percentage was significantly higher than the UT male group during February, March, April, May, June, September B and December. The female TR group showed a significantly higher percentage CD4+CD25+ than the female UT only during July. There were also significant sequential monthly changes in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ for male and female UT and TR groups. Significant increases in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ in the male TR group suggest training-enhanced lymphocyte mitogenic responsiveness. Moderate intensity long-term training may increase the recruitment of active memory CD4+CD25+ in men rather than women.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / immunology
  • CD4 Antigens / blood*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / blood*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit