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Circadian rhythm of temperature in man. Comparative study with two experiment protocols
Chronobiologia
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Human body temperature shows a circadian rhythm with a daytime plateau and nighttime minimum. Circulatory phenomena play a major role in regulating rectal temperature (Tre) rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Chronobiology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Understanding the daily rhythms of human body temperature is crucial for physiological studies.
- Previous research has explored circadian variations in core and peripheral body temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal and skin temperature in humans at rest.
- To compare two experimental protocols for assessing thermoregulation under controlled conditions.
Main Methods:
- Two protocols were used: constant ambient temperature with free-evolving skin temperature, and controlled skin temperature with adjusted ambient temperature.
- Measurements of rectal temperature (Tre), skin temperature (Ts), body conductance, metabolism, and evaporative thermolysis were recorded over 24-hour periods.
- Experiments were conducted at thermal neutrality.
Main Results:
- A low-amplitude, non-sinusoidal circadian rhythm in rectal temperature (Tre) was observed, characterized by a daytime plateau and a nighttime minimum.
- Rhythms were detected in mean skin temperature (Ts) and body conductance.
- No significant rhythms were found in metabolism or evaporative thermolysis.
Conclusions:
- Circulatory phenomena are identified as a major factor influencing the rectal temperature (Tre) rhythm under the experimental conditions.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay of physiological factors in maintaining circadian body temperature regulation.