The researchers hypothesize that repeated tattooing might show similar benefits. Research results produced by former UA graduate student Johnna Dominguez, Lynn and Dr. Jason DeCaro, UA associate professor of anthropology, back up the hypothesis.
Volunteers were approached at tattoo businesses in Tuscaloosa and Leeds, and information gathered on the number of tattoos received and the time involved in the procedures.
Saliva samples from the businesses’ customers were obtained both before and after their tattoo experience. The researchers analyzed the samples, measuring levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that lines portions of our gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, and cortisol, a stress hormone known to suppress immune response.
“Immunoglobulin A is a front line of defense against some of the common infections we encounter, like colds,” Lynn said.
Levels of immunoglobulin A dropped significantly in those receiving initial tattoos, as would be expected because of the immunosuppressant effects of cortisol, responding to the stress of tattooing. But the immunoglobulin A decrease was less so among those receiving tattoos more frequently, Lynn said.
“People with more tattoo experience have a statistically smaller decrease in immunoglobulin A from before to after,” said Lynn.
When receiving a tattoo, the body mobilizes immunological agents to fight possible infections at the site of the new tattoo, Lynn said.