Heterogeneous Circulating Angiogenic Cell Responses to Acute Maximal Exercise.

PURPOSE: Circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) comprise multiple subpopulations of exercise-inducible peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that promote angiogenesis and maintain endothelial integrity. We examined the effect of acute maximal exercise on CD31, CD62E, CD14/CD31, CD34/VEGFR2, CD3/CD31, and CD3 PBMC in young, healthy adults.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected before and immediately after a graded treadmill exercise test for CAC analysis via flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Maximal exercised produced 40%, 29%, 33%, 14%, and 33% increases in lymphocytic CD31, monolymphocytic CD31, CD62E, CD14/CD31, and CD34/VEGFR2 PBMC, respectively (P < 0.05). CD3/CD31 and CD3 cells were not altered with exercise. CD62E and CD14/CD31 PBMC were selectively augmented in women by 54% and 20%, respectively (P < 0.05). Exploratory analyses indicated that maximal exercise induced greater increases in CD62E and CD14/CD31 PBMC among women in the luteal phase compared with those in the follicular phase (P < 0.05). Basal lymphocytic PBMC and postexercise lymphocytic and monolymphocytic CD31 PBMC were lower among contraceptive users than nonusers.

CONCLUSIONS: Maximal exercise induces a robust CAC response encompassing both progenitor and nonprogenitor cell types, with these effects differing between men and women for CD62E and CD14/CD31 cell types and the potential influence of menstrual cycle phase and contraceptive use.