Exercise-induced increment in leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation in the peripheral blood

Physical exercise is known to increase the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood. The present study was undertaken to determine whether physical activity will also change the state of leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation (LAA). By using a direct slide test we noted a significant correlation between the white blood cell count and the state of LAA in the peripheral blood at various stages of physical activity in volunteers engaged in various aerobic and anaerobic activities. Hence, we regard the state of LAA as a marker of stress. Our study also suggests that leukocytosis of stress and especially demargination do not result from diminished leukocyte adhesion, but their occurrence is probably secondary to the diminished adhesive properties of the endothelium.