Aims: 

We aimed at the characterization of stress by analysis of granulocyte activation markers, in addition to psychological-psychophysiological examinations.

Methods: 

As stress models, 11 students during exam period and 15 anxious patients were employed. Granulocyte surface activation markers (L-selectin, alfaM-beta2-integrin, CD15s and lactoferrin) were analysed by flow cytometry. To facilitate stress reduction, participants were involved in relaxation-imagery hypnosis. Psychological tests (Spielberger) and surface EMG were also done. In another study, 9 students performed relaxation training in exam period; here also surface ICAM-1 was assayed.

Results: 

The onset of exams resulted in enhanced ratios of labelled cells concerning all probed markers. Particularly dramatic (cca. 5-fold, p < 0.05) increase was observed in lactoferrin-bearing granulocytes. After hypnosis, the ratio of lactoferrin-exposing cells was considerably reduced (about to half, p = 0.001) both in students and patients. A similar drop (by about half, p < 0.05) was observed in CD15s-carrier cell % in patients. In our other study, in addition to lactoferrin appearance, also surface ICAM-1 showed substantial changes (stress: 4-fold /p < 0.005/ and 3-fold /p < 0.001/ elevation in the percentage of marker-carrier cells, respectively; relaxation: significant decline regarding especially lactoferrin-carrier granulocytes /by about half, p < 0.01/). Concerning EMG, only patients showed reduction of muscle tension following hypnosis. No significant alterations could be demonstrated by psychological tests.

Conclusion: 

Our studies indicate that stress could be associated with granulocyte activation. From the tested cell surface markers, lactoferrin appeared to be the most sensitive stress sensor. In addition, relaxation hypnosis/training seems to be effective ways to decrease the "excitement" of these activated cells.