The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of prolonged strenuous exercise against oral antimicrobial peptide and to examine relations between oral mucosal immunization and cavity bacterium at the same time. Ten young male volunteers either exercised on ergometer at 75% VO₂ max for 60 min (exercise session) or sat quietly (resting session). Saliva samples were obtained at 60 min intervals during sessions for measurements of saliva antimicrobial peptides (HBD-2) and osmolality. Saliva flow rate was decreased and saliva osmolality was increased during the 60min exercise. Saliva HBD-2 concentration was decreased after the exercise (6 hours and 24 hours after exercise). Saliva antimicrobial levels was decreased after the exercise. It is possible that while strenuous exercise in elite athletes could partly enhance oral innate immunity, the physical stress could simultaneously restrict the immunological enhancement due to HPA axis activity.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.35/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE