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Skin vasoconstriction as a heat conservation thermoeffector.

John M Johnson1, Dean L Kellogg2

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.

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|November 21, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cold exposure causes skin blood vessels to constrict, conserving heat. This involves reduced nitric oxide, increased alpha-2c adrenoceptors, and enhanced sympathetic nerve activity, crucial for thermoregulation.

Keywords:
NPYadrenergiccold stresslocal controlnitric oxidenorepinephrinereflex controlskin blood flowskin coolingvasoconstriction

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Thermoregulation
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Cold exposure triggers physiological responses to maintain core body temperature.
  • Heat conservation is primarily achieved by reducing blood flow to the skin (cutaneous vasoconstriction).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the specific mechanisms underlying cold-induced cutaneous vasoconstriction in humans.
  • To elucidate the interplay between local skin cooling and systemic reflex responses.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the effects of local skin cooling on nitric oxide (NO) production and alpha-2c adrenoceptor activity.
  • Examined the role of sympathetic nervous system activity, including norepinephrine and neuropeptide Y release.
  • Assessed cold-induced vasodilation under conditions of blocked nitric oxide synthase or sympathetic function.

Main Results:

  • Local cooling reduces tonic nitric oxide formation, diminishing vasodilation and causing relative vasoconstriction.
  • Intracellular alpha-2c adrenoceptors translocate to the cell membrane, enhancing adrenergic vasoconstriction.
  • Increased norepinephrine release from vasoconstrictor nerves and cold-induced vasodilation in specific skin types were observed.
  • Reflex sympathetic activation amplifies vasoconstriction through norepinephrine and neuropeptide Y release, with contributions varying by age, disease, and hormonal status.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple local and reflex mechanisms contribute to cold-induced cutaneous vasoconstriction.
  • Nitric oxide plays a key inhibitory role, and its reduction enhances adrenergic vasoconstriction.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for comprehending human thermoregulation and its modulation by various factors.