The driving license examination as a stress model: effects on blood picture, serum cortisol and the production of interleukins in man.

We have studied the following stress model: the tension caused by sitting for the theoretical part of the driving license examination. Volunteers were investigated twice, after their driving license examination and after a (stress-free) control session. The effects of the stress were investigated by studying the blood picture (differential counts), serum concentration of cortisol, and cytokine production in stimulated blood cells. Relationships between the subjective perception of stress and the physiological reaction were also investigated. This stress induced significant increase in the concentrations of cortisol and hemoglobin, and in the values of hematocrit and MCV, and in the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of IL-1beta and -6. The subjective feelings of irritability and wakefulness were also significantly higher after the exam. A significant relationship was found between the changes in the stimulated production of IL-1beta and irritability. The responsiveness to psychological stress might be influenced by the temporary mood of the subjects.