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Effect of body temperature on cold induced vasodilation
Andreas D Flouris1, David A Westwood, Igor B Mekjavic
1School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. aflouris@cereteth.gr
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) is a heat loss mechanism, not injury protection. This study shows CIVD is triggered by increased core body temperature during cold exposure, challenging previous theories.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Thermoregulation
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) is an acute increase in peripheral blood flow during cold exposure.
- The exact physiological mechanism and purpose of CIVD remain unexplained, with prevailing hypotheses suggesting injury protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of core body temperature in triggering CIVD.
- To test the hypothesis that CIVD is a thermoregulatory reflex for heat loss.
Main Methods:
- Ten adults were exposed to -20°C while wearing a liquid conditioning garment (LCG) and arctic clothing.
- Three conditions were tested: pre-warming, warming (LCG regulated for comfort), and control (LCG inactive).
- Core body temperature and extremity temperatures were monitored throughout the exposures.
Main Results:
- CIVD predominantly occurred in the warming condition when mean body temperature was highest.
- A clear thermoregulatory pattern emerged: CIVD initiated when core body temperature exceeded a threshold (approx. 36.65°C) and ceased when it fell below.
- These findings were independent of extremity temperatures and statistically confirmed.
Conclusions:
- CIVD is triggered by an increase in core body temperature, supporting its role as a heat loss mechanism.
- The study challenges the traditional view of CIVD as solely an injury-protective response.
- CIVD appears to be a regulated physiological response to prevent hyperthermia during cold stress.
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