Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody secreted by mucosal membranes in the human body.
Functions:
IgA and It's Role in Stress Levels:
IgA has been studied extensively in relation to stressors and the function of the immune system. It has been found to be linked to immune system function in relation to stress. Stress is assumed to compromise immune system function which should inhibit immunoglobulin production. Hence, a lower IgA concentration in the saliva would be indicative of higher stress levels. In the case of smokers and non-smokers, the hypothesis is that there is a significant difference in salivary IgA levels between the two groups indicating a difference in stress levels. This hypothesis is founded on the assumption that smoking helps to alleviate stress. A literary review conducted by Satishi Tsujita and Kanehisa Morimoto concluded that in 5 studies investigating relaxing factors and the impacts on salivary IgA levels, all found a positive correlation between relaxation and IgA response (Tsujita & Morimoto, 1999).
Functions:
- Monitors antigens in the mucosal membranes
- Neutralize threats
- Facilitates diffusion
- Transport across cell membrane
IgA and It's Role in Stress Levels:
IgA has been studied extensively in relation to stressors and the function of the immune system. It has been found to be linked to immune system function in relation to stress. Stress is assumed to compromise immune system function which should inhibit immunoglobulin production. Hence, a lower IgA concentration in the saliva would be indicative of higher stress levels. In the case of smokers and non-smokers, the hypothesis is that there is a significant difference in salivary IgA levels between the two groups indicating a difference in stress levels. This hypothesis is founded on the assumption that smoking helps to alleviate stress. A literary review conducted by Satishi Tsujita and Kanehisa Morimoto concluded that in 5 studies investigating relaxing factors and the impacts on salivary IgA levels, all found a positive correlation between relaxation and IgA response (Tsujita & Morimoto, 1999).