The researchers showed that exposing the skin to a foreign substance just after a brief period of stress caused a more robust immune response. Immune function may actually be boosted under these conditions. These signals prepare the body to deal with the consequences of stress. Dhabhar and his colleagues studied the role of gamma interferon in regulating the immune-enhancing effects of stress. Gamma interferon is one of a group of immune system hormones called cytokines.
Cytokines regulate immune responses.
He added that gamma interferon is vital for summoning and activating immune cells to the site of immune reactions. They examined the effects of stress on the immune response of mice that had normal gamma interferon function and mice that had deficient gamma interferon function. To test each animal's immune response following short-stress, the researchers shaved a small patch of fur from each mouse's back. The researchers then applied a substance to each of the shaved areas. It may trigger a response similar to the collapse of an animal's burrow - the mice perceive confinement and become stressed.