Secretory IgA in saliva can be a useful stress marker

Abstract

To evaluate secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in saliva as an immunological stress marker, we reviewed the literature on sIgA and its variation caused by psychosocial factors. Among the studies on the effect of academic stress on sIgA secretion, we could distinguish two kinds of stress effects: the immediate stress effect which increases sIgA secretion immediately after stress, and the delayed stress effect which decreases sIgA secretion several days after stress. On the basis of production and secretion mechanisms of sIgA, we also speculated on possible mechanisms that underlie the variations of sIgA caused by stress. Eventually, we concluded that sIgA in saliva can be a useful stress marker if we analyze the delayed stress effect on sIgA separately from the immediate stress effect on sIgA.