Effect of the environment in Antarctica on immune function and electroencephalogram

• Main Authors: Yongzhong, Yu, Zonghui, Wang, Wencheng, Zhang, Wen, Wu
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Polar Research Institute of China - PRIC 1994
• Subjects: Advances in Polar Science; Antarc*; Antarctica; Polar Science
• Online Access: http://library.arcticportal.org/2084/; http://library.arcticportal.org/2084/1/A402.005.pdf

An observation on the changes of immune function (serum immunoglobulin, lymphocyte transformation) and electroencephalogram were carried out when the explorers were residing in Antarctica for a long time. Serum IgM, IgG decreased by the end of twelve months residing in Antarctica. It were only 40%; 38% (P < 0.1) of the previous value before leaving for Antarctica. Serum IgA increased first and then return to its previous value before leaving for Antarctica. When they returned back to Beijing for 2 months serum IgA was lower than that before leaving (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte transformation rate decreased to 45% (P < 0.05) of its previous level before leaving for Antarctica. The low lymphocyte transformation rate lasted for 2 months after return. But the variation of Ig level and lymphocyte transformation rate were small in the control group at different seasons. It is obviously that the significant change of Lg level and lymphocyte transformation rate of explorers residing in Antarctica is the result of special environment. The desynchronization process on electroencephalogram (EEG) increased. The frequency and index of beta-wave band increased during their stay in Antarctica. There is a close relationship between the decrease of lymphocyte transformation rate and the increase of the index and amplitude of beta-band on EEG. It indicated that the decrease of immunity (especially cell mediated immunity) resulted from living under stress for a long time.