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Is active sweating during heat acclimation required for improvements in peripheral sweat gland function?
Michael J Buono1, Travis R Numan, Ryan M Claros
1Department of Biology, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA. mbuono@mail.sdsu.edu
Summary
Active sweat gland function during heat acclimation is essential for increasing sweat capacity. Preventing sweat production with BOTOX inhibited adaptation, demonstrating that eccrine sweat glands must actively sweat to enhance thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Thermoregulation
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Eccrine sweat glands are crucial for thermoregulation.
- Heat acclimation enhances the body's ability to cope with heat stress.
- The role of active sweat production in sweat gland adaptation during heat acclimation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if eccrine sweat glands require active sweat production to adapt and increase their capacity during heat acclimation.
- To investigate the impact of inhibiting neural stimulation on sweat gland adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Eight volunteers underwent 10 days of exercise in heat (35°C).
- One forearm received BOTOX injections to block sweat production; the contralateral forearm received saline as a control.
- Sweat gland function was assessed via pilocarpine iontophoresis before and after heat acclimation.
Main Results:
- Heat acclimation improved physiological responses, including decreased heart rate and core temperature.
- The control forearm showed a 40% increase in sweat rate during exercise post-acclimation.
- BOTOX-treated forearms exhibited a 52% decrease in pilocarpine-induced sweat rate post-acclimation, while control arms increased by 18%.
Conclusions:
- Active sweat production by eccrine sweat glands is necessary for adaptation and increased sweat capacity during heat acclimation.
- Inhibition of sweat production prevents the adaptive increase in sweat gland function.
- These findings highlight the importance of functional sweat glands in effective thermoregulation during heat exposure.
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