In peripheral blood, lymphocyte subsets and their activation status, and proportions of apoptotic cells were evaluated. In saliva, total IgA levels and specific IgA responses against mucosal bacterias were assayed.
No variation in immune parameters was shown during training in clean water. Significant decreased of activated B lymphocytes was observed after exposition to chloramins. An increase in T lymphocytes, both CD4+ and CD8+, was shown with combined effects of exposition and training. No apoptotic cells were found after exposition and/or intensive training. This study indicates that exposition to chloramines results in mucosal inflammation reactions, not through IgA responses, but by increasing mucosal immune cells' homing.