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Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
Published on: July 21, 2023
Do modest changes in skin temperature affect the measurement of micro- and macrovascular function?
Eva-Lotte Schabbehard1, Franziska Riedl1, Jasmin Anna Kienzner1
1Department of Sport Science, Division of Performance Physiology and Prevention, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Frontiers in Physiology
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurements remain consistent despite variations in skin temperature. However, altered skin blood flow due to temperature changes can impact the interpretation of FMD results.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Vascular function assessment
- Endothelial function evaluation
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis are key risk factors.
- Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) assesses endothelial function via conduit artery vasodilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of skin blood flow on reactive hyperemia and FMD.
- To determine if microvascular changes from thermal stress affect macrovascular responses.
- To assess the robustness of FMD calculations under varying skin temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Initial FMD measurement at natural skin temperature (iFMD).
- Skin temperature clamped to 27°C (cold, cFMD) or 35°C (warm, wFMD) after rest.
- Comparison of baseline skin temperature, skin blood flow, and reactive hyperemia parameters.
Main Results:
- Warm skin (wFMD) showed higher baseline temperature and blood flow; cold skin (cFMD) showed lower temperature.
- Cold skin significantly reduced peak blood flow, antegrade flow, and conductance.
- Despite physiological differences, calculated FMD values were consistent across all temperature conditions.
Conclusions:
- FMD calculations demonstrate robustness to moderate skin temperature variations.
- Differences in absolute skin blood flow values can affect FMD interpretation.
- Consider thermal conditions when comparing FMD results across studies.
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