scholarly journals Characteristics of the local cutaneous sensory thermoneutral zone

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 1797-1806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Filingeri ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Edward A. Arens
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Thermoneutral Zone ◽  
Temperature Detection ◽  
Applied Design ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Threshold Range

Skin temperature detection thresholds have been used to measure human cold and warm sensitivity across the temperature continuum. They exhibit a sensory zone within which neither warm nor cold sensations prevail. This zone has been widely assumed to coincide with steady-state local skin temperatures between 32 and 34°C, but its underlying neurophysiology has been rarely investigated. In this study we employ two approaches to characterize the properties of sensory thermoneutrality, testing for each whether neutrality shifts along the temperature continuum depending on adaptation to a preceding thermal state. The focus is on local spots of skin on the palm. Ten participants (age: 30.3 ± 4.8 yr) underwent two experiments. Experiment 1 established the cold-to-warm inter-detection threshold range for the palm’s glabrous skin and its shift as a function of 3 starting skin temperatures (26, 31, or 36°C). For the same conditions, experiment 2 determined a thermally neutral zone centered around a thermally neutral point in which thermoreceptors’ activity is balanced. The zone was found to be narrow (~0.98 to ~1.33°C), moving with the starting skin temperature over the temperature span 27.5–34.9°C (Pearson r = 0.94; P < 0.001). It falls within the cold-to-warm inter-threshold range (~2.25 to ~2.47°C) but is only half as wide. These findings provide the first quantitative analysis of the local sensory thermoneutral zone in humans, indicating that it does not occur only within a specific range of steady-state skin temperatures (i.e., it shifts across the temperature continuum) and that it differs from the inter-detection threshold range both quantitatively and qualitatively. These findings provide insight into thermoreception neurophysiology. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Contrary to a widespread concept in human thermoreception, we show that local sensory thermoneutrality is achievable outside the 32–34°C skin temperature range. We propose that sensory adaption underlies a new mechanism of temperature integration. Also, we have developed from vision research a new quantitative test addressing the balance in activity of cutaneous cold and warm thermoreceptors. This could have important clinical (assessment of somatosensory abnormalities in neurological disease) and applied (design of personal comfort systems) implications.

Predicting indoor thermal sensation for the elderly in welfare centres in Korea using local skin temperatures

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1155-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chihye Bae ◽  
Hyunjung Lee ◽  
Chungyoon Chun
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Climate Chamber ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Skin Temperatures

This study aims to develop a method to predict thermal sensation in elderly people. To identify the point on the body where skin temperature can best predict thermal sensation in elderly people aged 65 or older and develop a thermal comfort measurement model that can replace the psychological scale, experiments were conducted in a stainless steel wall finish climate chamber and at the seven senior welfare centres in Korea. The results of the climate chamber experiment with 30 healthy elderly people (15 males, 15 females) showed that there was a correlation between thermal sensation and local skin temperature on the back of the hand, the upper arm, the top of the foot and the cheek. This developed thermal sensation prediction model was then applied in a field study at senior welfare centres to verify whether the model could be applied to a large number of elderly subjects in different locations. The field study with 294 elderly people (111 males, 183 females) shows that cheek and back of the hand skin temperatures were useful in predicting thermal sensation in the elderly, and predicted thermal sensation based on the skin temperature of the cheek had the strongest correlation with thermal sensation among the participants.

The Effect of Pressure on Skin Temperature Measurements for a Disk Sensor

1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Mahanty ◽  
R. B. Roemer
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Reactive Hyperemia ◽  
Circular Disk ◽  
Temperature Measurements ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Local Skin Temperature ◽  
Skin Temperatures

In order to determine the effect of application pressure on the accuracy of skin temperature measurements for area contact sensors, low values of pressure (2-20 mm Hg) were applied to the mid-thigh and to the lateral aspect of the trochanter of human subjects using a thin, circular disk with a thermistor mounted in the base. From measurements of the local skin temperatures, it was determined that a pressure of 2 mm Hg is adequate to measure the skin temperature accurately. Applying larger pressure results in higher local skin temperatures with the thighs showing larger temperature increases than the trochanters. The results of a finite difference analysis indicate that the increases in skin temperature at higher pressures can be accounted for by the physical phenomena associated with the penetration of the sensor into the tissue. After the release of pressure, the local skin temperature immediately decreased for all subjects indicating little or no reactive hyperemia was occurring. A method of compensating for the changes in local skin temperature which are due to whole body transient thermal effects was also developed. Use of this method allows the effects of the local pressure application to be separated from the transient environmental effects.

scholarly journals Effect of skin temperature on cutaneous vasodilator response to the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol

2015 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 898-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary J. Hodges ◽  
Dean L. Kellogg ◽  
John M. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Skin Blood Flow ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Vasodilator Response ◽  
Skin Cooling ◽  
Local Skin Temperature ◽  
Β Receptor ◽  
Skin Temperatures

The vascular response to local skin cooling is dependent in part on a cold-induced translocation of α2C-receptors and an increased α-adrenoreceptor function. To discover whether β-adrenergic function might contribute, we examined whether β-receptor sensitivity to the β-agonist isoproterenol was affected by local skin temperature. In seven healthy volunteers, skin blood flow was measured from the forearm by laser-Doppler flowmetry and blood pressure was measured by finger photoplethysmography. Data were expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; laser-Doppler flux/mean arterial blood pressure). Pharmacological agents were administered via intradermal microdialysis. We prepared four skin sites: one site was maintained at a thermoneutral temperature of 34°C (32 ± 10%CVCmax) one site was heated to 39°C (38 ± 11%CVCmax); and two sites were cooled, one to 29°C (22 ± 7%CVCmax) and the other 24°C (16 ± 4%CVCmax). After 20 min at these temperatures to allow stabilization of skin blood flow, isoproterenol was perfused in concentrations of 10, 30, 100, and 300 μM. Each concentration was perfused for 15 min. Relative to the CVC responses to isoproterenol at the thermoneutral skin temperature (34°C) (+21 ± 10%max), low skin temperatures reduced (at 29°C) (+17 ± 6%max) or abolished (at 24°C) (+1 ± 5%max) the vasodilator response, and warm (39°C) skin temperatures enhanced the vasodilator response (+40 ± 9%max) to isoproterenol. These data indicate that β-adrenergic function was influenced by local skin temperature. This finding raises the possibility that a part of the vasoconstrictor response to direct skin cooling could include reduced background β-receptor mediated vasodilation.

Effect of rate of change in skin temperature on local sweating rate

1979 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Libert ◽  
V. Candas ◽  
J. J. Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Dew Point ◽  
Mean Skin Temperature ◽  
Sweating Rate ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Local Skin Temperature ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Rate Threshold

To evaluate the relative contributions of positive and negative variations of mean skin temperature (+/- dTsk/dt) on thermoregulatory responses, male resting nude subjects were exposed to rapid or slow alterations in air and wall temperatures (28--45 degrees C; Pa = 20.0 mbar). Rates of heating-cooling cycles were equal to dTa/dt = +/- 3.40, 1.13, 0.57, 0.38, or 0.19 degrees C/min. Continuous measurements were made of rectal, oral, ear, and mean skin temperatures and of arm sweating (dew-point hygrometer method). During all exposures the local skin temperature was kept constant (Tsl = 39 degrees C). The results showed that peripheral inputs are a major factor in thermoregulatory processes. Cutaneous receptors produce a positive and a negative rate component within the central thermal integrator. A higher rate threshold was observed for the positive rate component than for the negative one.

Thermoregulatory responses during competitive marathon running

1977 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 909-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Maron ◽  
J. A. Wagner ◽  
S. M. Horvath
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Heat Illness ◽  
Mean Skin Temperature ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Thermoregulatory Responses ◽  
Marked Disparity ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Cool Conditions

To assess thermoregulatory responses occuring under actual marathon racing conditions, rectal (Tre) and five skin temperatures were measured in two runners approximately every 9 min of a competitive marathon run under cool conditions. Race times and total water losses were: runner 1 = 162.7 min, 3.02 kg; runner 2 = 164.6 min, 2.43 kg. Mean skin temperature was similar throughout the race in the two runners, although they exhibited a marked disparity in temperature at individual skin sites. Tre plateaued after 35--45 min (runner 1 = 40.0--40.1, runner 2 = 38.9--39.2 degrees C). While runner 2 maintained a relatively constant level for the remainder of the race, runner 1 exhibited a secondary increase in Tre. Between 113 and 119 min there was a precipitous rise in Tre from 40.9 to 41.9 degrees C. Partitional calorimetric calculations suggested that a decrease in sweating was responsible for this increment. However, runner 1's ability to maintain his high Tre and running pace for the remaining 44 min of the race and exhibit no signs of heat illness indicated thermoregulation was intact.

Comparative Efficacy of Physiological Responses and Skin Temperatures in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle Supplemented with Chlorophytum borivilianum in Summer Season

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Devi ◽  
Mahendra Singh ◽  
Yallappa M. Somagond ◽  
A.K. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Crossbred Cattle ◽  
Comparative Efficacy ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Chlorophytum Borivilianum ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Skin Temperatures

Background: Heat stress causes oxidative stress and declines milk production potential of cows. The physiological responses and skin temperature of heat stressed animals are good indices for deterring the heat stress. The efficacy of medicinal herb Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) was tested in lowering the rise in values of physiological responses and skin temperature in crossbred vis a vis Indigenous cows. Methods: Eighteen Tharparkar (TP) and Crossbred KF cows in mid-lactation were given; No supplement (control), a low (T1, n=6) and a high dose (T2, n=6) of CB @ 40 and 80 mg/kg BW/day, respectively for 90 days during hot-humid season. Respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature (ST) was recorded at the site of forehead, neck, rear body, and udder surface in the morning and afternoon at weekly intervals. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess the degree of thermal stress in animals. Result: Physiological responses and skin temperatures were higher (p less than 0.01) in the afternoon than morning intervals in TP and KF cows. CB feeding significantly lowered physiological responses and ST (p less than 0.01) in high dose as compared to low dose. It was concluded that CB feeding @ 80 mg/kg BW/day effectively alleviates the heat stress. Indigenous cows were found more heat tolerant in comparison to crossbred cows.

Quantifying Occupational Stress in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: An Applied Naturalistic Study of Correlations Among Stress, Heart Rate, Electrodermal Activity, and Skin Temperature

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110408
Author(s):  
Nima Ahmadi ◽  
Farzan Sasangohar ◽  
Tariq Nisar ◽  
Valerie Danesh ◽  
Ethan Larsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Electrodermal Activity ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
High Level ◽  
Intensive Care Unit Nurses ◽  
Skin Temperatures

Objective To identify physiological correlates to stress in intensive care unit nurses. Background Most research on stress correlates are done in laboratory environments; naturalistic investigation of stress remains a general gap. Method Electrodermal activity, heart rate, and skin temperatures were recorded continuously for 12-hr nursing shifts (23 participants) using a wrist-worn wearable technology (Empatica E4). Results Positive correlations included stress and heart rate (ρ = .35, p < .001), stress and skin temperature (ρ = .49, p < .05), and heart rate and skin temperatures (ρ = .54, p = .0008). Discussion The presence and direction of some correlations found in this study differ from those anticipated from prior literature, illustrating the importance of complementing laboratory research with naturalistic studies. Further work is warranted to recognize nursing activities associated with a high level of stress and the underlying reasons associated with changes in physiological responses. Application Heart rate and skin temperature may be used for real-time detection of stress, but more work is needed to validate such surrogate measures.

Respiratory responses to noxious and nonnoxious heating of skin in cats

1984 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1738-1741 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. Waldrop ◽  
D. E. Millhorn ◽  
F. L. Eldridge ◽  
L. E. Klingler
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Core Body Temperature ◽  
Warm Receptors ◽  
End Tidal ◽  
Core Body ◽  
Decerebrate Cats ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Respiratory Responses ◽  
Stimulation Of

Respiratory responses to increased skin temperatures were recorded in anesthetized cerebrate and in unanesthetized decerebrate cats. All were vagotomized, glomectomized, and paralyzed. Core body temperature and end-tidal Pco2 were kept constant with servoncontrollers. Stimulation of cutaneous nociceptors by heating the skin to 46 degrees C caused respiration to increase in both cerebrate and decerebrate cats. An even larger facilitation of respiration occurred when the skin temperature was elevated to 51 degrees C. However, respiration did not increase in either group of cats when the skin was heated to 41 degrees C to activate cutaneous warm receptors. The phenomenon of sensitization of nociceptors was observed. Spinal transection prevented all the respiratory responses to cutaneous heating. We conclude that noxious, but not nonnoxious, increases in skin temperature cause increases in respiratory output.

Relation of local skin temperature and local sweating to cutaneous blood flow

1963 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 781-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo C. Senay ◽  
Leon D. Prokop ◽  
Leslie Cronau ◽  
Alrick B. Hertzman
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Sweat Gland ◽  
Cutaneous Blood Flow ◽  
Local Skin ◽  
Cutaneous Vasodilatation ◽  
Local Skin Temperature ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cutaneous Blood

The relationship of local skin temperature and the onset of sweating to the local cutaneous blood flow was studied in the forearm and calf. The purpose of the investigation was to appraise the possible relation of sweat gland activity to the cutaneous vasodilatation which has been attributed to bradykinin or to intracranial temperatures. The onset of sweating was not marked by any apparently related increases in the rate of cutaneous blood flow. On the contrary, the onset of sweating was followed often by a stabilization or even a decrease in the level of cutaneous blood flow. The relations of the latter to the local skin temperature were complex, particularly in the forearm. There appeared to be additional unidentified influences, possibly vasomotor, operating on the skin vessels during transitional phases in the relation of skin temperature to blood flow. Submitted on October 15, 1962

Thermoregulatory responses of dogs after alteration of peripheral sensitivity

1962 ◽  
Vol 202 (6) ◽  
pp. 1237-1240 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Helmendach ◽  
J. P. Meehan
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Skin Sensitivity ◽  
Thermoregulatory Responses ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
It Application ◽  
Pharmacologic Agents

Topically applied pharmacologic agents were used to alter skin sensitivity of unanesthetized dogs subjected to rapid changes in thermal state. The anesthetic pramoxine hydrochloride was utilized to depress peripheral sensitivity; menthol was used to enhance it. Application of these agents produced shifts in specific skin temperature at which activation and suppression of both panting and shivering occur. These changes were interpreted as indicating peripheral mediation in control of thermoregulatory end mechanisms. Both substances exhibited a greater effect on thermoregulatory responses to cooling than to heating. Consequently, one may infer that the peripheral cold-fiber effect exerts a greater influence on thermoregulatory end mechanisms than does the warm-fiber effect.

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