Immunosuppression Case Study: Kiecolt-GLaser

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to look at the effectiveness of the immune system in people facing stressful situations. The hypothesis was that immunosuppression would be greater when stress levels are high. This meant that the number of killer cells in the blood that fight off illness, would be greatly reduced.

Method: Blood samples were taken from 75 first year medical students (all volunteers), 49 of which were male and 26 female. These samples were taken one month before exams and then on the first day of exams after 2 exams had already been sat that day by participants. These blood samples were then analysed for leucocyte activity (killers cells) to see how many of the naturally…