Owen, Natalie Alexandra; (2002) Immune system responses to acute psychological stress: Potential physiological and psychosocial moderators. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D.), University College London.

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Abstract

This PhD aims to look at the effects of acute psychological stress on the immune system, and potential physiological and psychosocial moderators of the response. Stress has long been implicated in the aetiology, progression and severity of disease. Over the last couple of decades there has been substantial interest in the effects of stress on the immune system. A wealth of literature has shown that both acute and chronic stress can lead to changes in the distribution and functioning of several aspects of the immune system, which are indicative of heightened susceptibility to disease. This study investigated the effects of reactivity to, and recovery from a laboratory based stress procedure, in circulating levels of cytokines, lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets. In addition, the contribution of cardiovascular and endocrine reactivity and recovery on the immune system was explored. Potential psychosocial mediators of the response was also examined. These included hostility, day-to-day hassles, social support, levels of perceived stress and psychological distress. Two hundred and forty civil servants from the Whitehall II cohort took part. Equal numbers of men and women were included. The results showed that all immune system parameters increased in response to psychological stress, and that lymphocytes showed an attenuated recovery by 45 minutes. Cardiovascular, cortisol and immune system reactivity were related and poor cardiovascular recovery was indicative of poor recovery of lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets. There were a number of differences in immunity both in terms of reactivity and recovery for individuals with poor psychosocial well being. The health implications of these results are discussed within the framework of the theory of allostatic load.

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