Effect of acute exercise on the levels of salivary cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of salivary cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) before, during and after acute exercise. Acute exercise was induced using a standard treadmill test with Bruce protocol in ten physically active male participants. Unstimulated saliva was collected before, during and after exercise. The levels of salivary cortisol and TNF-α were assessed by enzyme immunoassays. Salivary NO was determined by the Griess reagent. The results showed that both salivary cortisol and TNF-α increased and peaked at 14 min during exercise and then decreased. The levels of NO were increased up to 1 h after exercise and subsequently lowered after 24 h. The results of the present study suggest that acute exercise may induce high levels of salivary cortisol, TNF-α and NO. (J Oral Sci 52, 133-136, 2010)