Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Psychological stress evokes rapid changes to the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems, responses that can become habituated following repeated exposure. This study, comprising of two phases, suggests that the immune system follows a similar trend. Phase 1: 15 healthy subjects (aged between 26 and 56years) provided capillary blood samples before and after completing three basic tasks using, in turn, two automotive touch screen interfaces (Interface 1-antecedent version, Interface 2-improved version). Using a chemiluminescent technique termed leukocyte coping capacity (LCC), the ability of leukocytes to produce reactive oxygen species in vitro was assessed. Significant differences in leukocyte activity were shown between treatment groups, where the greatest post-test decrease occurred after using Interface 1. Phase 2: a randomly selected sub-group (n=4) underwent weekly repeat testing using both interfaces. Significant differences in post-test leukocyte reactivity were exhibited between test weeks for each interface-the magnitude of response decreasing with successive exposure.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.02.011

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cell Immunol

Publication Date

2010

Volume

263

Pages

22 - 30

Keywords

Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Blood Pressure, Body Temperature, Ergonomics, Feasibility Studies, Female, Heart Rate, Humans, Leukocytes, Mononuclear, Male, Middle Aged, Psychological Tests, Reactive Oxygen Species, Stress, Psychological