Effects of fasting and immobilization stresses on the phagocytic capacity of rat polymorphonuclear phagocyte monolayers.

The effect of two different types of acute stress (immobilization and fasting) on the polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic function has been studied in male and female rats. With this aim, a subgroup of rats was under immobilization and fasting, another under complete energy deprivation and a third one (controls), exposed to the normal activity of the animal room, for 15 hours. The stress induction was assessed by controlling weight variations and gastric ulcers generation. Both stressors induced weight loss but only immobilization resulted in the development of gastric ulcer in all the animals studied. Phagocytosis was increased in male rats stressed by fasting and in immobilized female rats. In the remaining subgroups polymorphonuclear leukocyte cells showed a phagocytic capacity within the range of control values. Only comparison of the males group stressed by fasting with the male group stressed by fasting and immobilization showed a significant depression in phagocytosis.