What is the effect of acute exercise on leukocytes?

Acute exercise is known to stimulate an increase in the concentration of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the bloodstream. During physical activity, particularly intense exercise, various physiological changes occur, including increased heart rate, blood flow, and the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline. These changes lead to a transient elevation in leukocyte levels as they mobilize from peripheral tissues into circulation.

The increase in leukocyte concentration during and after exercise is primarily due to the movement of these immune cells from the marginal pool (where they are loosely adherent to the blood vessel walls) into the bloodstream, as well as the activation of the immune system. This response is considered a part of the body's defense mechanism, adapting to the stress imposed by physical activity.

As exercise intensity and duration increase, the effect on leukocyte concentration is more pronounced. Although there might be individual variations based on fitness level, health status, and exercise type, the general consensus in exercise physiology is that acute exercise leads to an increase in leukocyte concentration. This elevation usually normalizes after a recovery period.