The Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone on the Characteristics of Leukocyte Distribution in Response to Restraint

Abstract

There have been several studies done on the effects of restraint stress and other physical and psychological stressors on the immune system. In addition, female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are known immunomodulators as well as affectors of the neuroendocrine system. There is little research, however, tying the three systems together. In this study, I used a simple leukocyte differential count to quantitatively analyze the immune response to restraint stress and to see in what way estrogen and progesterone alter that response in the prepubescent laboratory mouse (Mus musculus). My data show that estrogen and progesterone drastically alter the cellular immune response to restraint stress.