Impact of acute stress on macrophage and NK cells in vaccinated Wistar albino rats with recombinant hepatitis-B vaccine

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global concern health problem. Vaccination with Hepatitis B vaccine is the most efficient way to prevent the infection. Acute Stress may act as an effective adjuvant to increase the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine. Objectives: To measure the impact of acute-stress on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccinated rats. Methods: Pretest-Posttest control group design was conducted using animal models (24 Wistar Albino male rats). These were allocated into 4 vaccine groups: one period of acute-stress (X1), two periods of acute-stress (X2) and two groups control (C1, C2). Subsequent the adaption period, rats were given the hepatitis B vaccine. Results: Data showed that two periods of acute-stress combined with two doses of vaccine led to an increase of macrophage number (%) and macrophage phagocytosis index (%). The macrophage number was (0.51 ± 0.038 in C2 and (0.90 ± 0.025) in X2, (p = 0.001). The macrophage phagocytosis index was (3.42 (3.21 – 3.90) in C2 and (5.75 (5.57 – 6.81) in X2, (p = 0.004). While, NK cells in vaccinated rats showed no response to acute stress. Conclusion: Acute-stress acts as vaccine adjuvant and has postive effects, particularly on macrophage cells.