Exercise‐induced amplification of mitogen‐stimulated oxidative burst in whole blood is strongly influenced by neutrophil counts during and following exercise

This study characterized the effect of moderate‐ or vigorous‐intensity exercise on leukocyte counts, using fingertip sampling, and mitogen‐stimulated oxidative burst, measured in whole blood with a point‐of‐care test. In a randomized crossover design, 13 healthy adults (mean ± SD age: 22 ± 2 years; seven male, six female) cycled for 30‐min, once at 52 ± 5% V˙O2peak and on another occasion at 74 ± 9% V˙O2peak. Blood was sampled at baseline, immediately post‐exercise, and 15‐ and 60‐min post‐exercise. The leukocyte differential and mitogen‐stimulated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production were assessed. Lymphocytes increased immediately post‐exercise and decreased below pre‐exercise levels 15‐ and 60‐min later. Lymphocyte mobilization immediately post‐exercise was 59 ± 36% greater with vigorous‐ compared to moderate‐intensity exercise (p