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Brain-gut peptides in sauna-induced hyperthermia
T G Jenssen1, H H Haukland, P G Burhol
1Department of Medicine (Laboratory of Gastroenterology), University Hospital of Tromsö, Norway.
Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Sauna bathing significantly increases vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) during heat exposure. Other gut peptides and blood glucose remain elevated post-sauna, suggesting a role in the body's heat adaptation response.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sauna bathing induces physiological stress, including heat exposure.
- Brain-gut peptides play crucial roles in regulating bodily functions.
- Understanding peptide release during heat stress is important for thermoregulation research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of specific brain-gut peptides during and after sauna bathing.
- To explore the relationship between heat exposure and peptide levels.
Main Methods:
- Seven women participated in a 20-minute sauna bath.
- Sublingual temperature was monitored.
- Plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), motilin, insulin, somatostatin, and cholecystokinin (CCK) were measured.
- Blood glucose levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in plasma VIP was observed during heat exposure.
- Plasma levels of pancreatic polypeptide (PP), motilin, and blood glucose rose significantly during the 60 minutes post-sauna.
- Plasma insulin showed a non-significant increase, while somatostatin and CCK levels remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma VIP during sauna bathing may be linked to compensatory heat loss mechanisms, such as vasodilation.
- The sustained elevation of other peptides and glucose suggests their involvement in the body's adaptation to heat stress.