Effect of a short-term moderate whole body hyperthermia of healthy humans on their peripheral lymphocytes

A short (75-110 min) mild (39.5 degrees C) whole body hyperthermia of humans does not alter the absolute amount of peripheral lymphocytes immediately after heating, but significantly reduces their relative amount due to neutrophil increase. Body heating does not induce lymphocyte degeneration: their potential viability does not reduce. The total level of lymphocyte oxidative metabolism remains unaltered, while SDG and LDG activities are seen reduced and increased, respectively. Lymphocytes adapt to body heating by inducing thermotolerant state and activating anaerobic metabolism.