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Pubertal induction of sweat gland activity
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Men exhibit double the sweat rate of women due to androgen-induced gene expression during puberty, not adult hormonal changes. This difference is not present before puberty.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Sweating regulation is complex and influenced by various factors, including hormones.
- Observed differences in sweat rates between sexes suggest underlying physiological distinctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sex-based differences in sweat rate.
- To determine the role of androgens and anti-androgens in regulating sweat production.
- To elucidate the developmental timing of these sex differences.
Main Methods:
- Cholinergic-induced sweating rates were measured in males and females.
- Measurements were taken before and after puberty.
- Responses to local androgen administration and systemic/topical anti-androgen treatment were assessed.
Main Results:
- Adult males exhibited more than double the sweat rate of adult females.
- Prepubertal males and females showed comparable sweat rates, adjusted for surface area.
- Androgen administration did not increase sweat production in adult females.
- Anti-androgens did not reduce sweat rates in adult males.
Conclusions:
- The higher sweat rate in adult males originates from androgen-induced gene expression initiated at puberty.
- Hormonal modulation in adult life does not account for the observed sex difference in sweat rate.
- Pubertal development is the critical period for establishing sex-specific differences in sweating physiology.