Riley's study 1 (stress) Flashcards
What was the aim?
Investigating the effects of stress on the immune system
In the first study what did Riley compare?
The T cell activity and the size of the thymus before and after introducing stress of placing the mice on a turnable moving at 45mph for 10 mins in every 5hrs
When was the final measurement taken?
Within 24hrs
What was found?
-there was a significant reduction in T cells and the size of the thymus suggesting that the immune system was weakened
Why is this?
-because high levels of cortisol is known to stop the production of T cells and the reduction size of the thymus
What does this mean?
They are unable to kill off any antigens which may result in mice suffering illnesses
What does this illustrate?
How stress can affect the immune system negatively which means a greater likelihood of suffering an illness
Who carried out research into the immune system and stress related illness?
Riley (1981)
