Related Experiment Videos
Pilocarpine-induced sweat gland function in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Scott L Davis1, Thad E Wilson, Jamie M Vener
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, 250 South 1850 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0920, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 11, 2005
Summary
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit impaired cholinergic sweat function compared to healthy controls. Aerobic exercise training did not improve sweat responses in MS patients, suggesting autonomic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect autonomic functions, including thermoregulation.
- Sudomotor (sweat gland) dysfunction is a potential complication in MS, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cholinergic sweat function in individuals with MS compared to healthy controls.
- To determine if aerobic exercise training improves sweat function in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Cholinergic sweating was assessed using pilocarpine iontophoresis on the forearm.
- Sweat rate (SR) and sweat gland output (SGO) were measured.
- Activated sweat glands (ASG) were quantified.
- Aerobic capacity was measured before and after a 15-week training program in a subgroup of MS patients.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MS showed significantly lower SR and SGO than healthy controls.
- No significant difference in the number of activated sweat glands (ASG) was found between groups.
- Aerobic exercise training increased aerobic capacity in MS patients but did not alter ASG, SR, or SGO.
Conclusions:
- Sweat gland function is impaired in individuals with MS.
- Aerobic exercise training does not enhance stimulated sweating in MS.
- Diminished sweating may result from impaired autonomic control of sudomotor function in MS.