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Regional hemodynamics during postexercise hypotension. II. Cutaneous circulation.
Brad W Wilkins1, Christopher T Minson, John R Halliwill
1Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1240, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 24, 2004
Summary
Postexercise hypotension, a drop in blood pressure after exercise, is not caused by skin blood flow changes under normal temperatures. Skin blood flow temporarily increases post-exercise but returns to normal levels, not contributing to the blood pressure drop.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Regulation
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Postexercise hypotension is characterized by a reduction in blood pressure following exercise.
- This phenomenon is linked to an unexplained elevation in systemic vascular conductance.
- The role of specific circulatory systems, like cutaneous, in this response requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of cutaneous circulation to postexercise hypotension.
- To determine if elevated skin blood flow mediates the blood pressure reduction after exercise.
- To examine this under controlled thermoneutral conditions (approximately 23°C).
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects (6 men, 4 women) underwent 60 minutes of cycling exercise.
- Blood pressure, internal body temperature, and skin temperature were continuously monitored.
- Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was assessed using laser-Doppler flowmetry at four skin sites.
Main Results:
- Exercise induced a significant drop in mean arterial pressure, indicative of postexercise hypotension.
- Internal body temperature increased during exercise and remained elevated post-exercise.
- Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) transiently increased post-exercise but returned to baseline within 50 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Transient increases in skin blood flow (CVC) after exercise do not appear to be the primary driver of postexercise hypotension.
- The cutaneous circulation's role in mediating postexercise hypotension is minimal under thermoneutral conditions.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific mechanisms responsible for postexercise hypotension.