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Impaired thermoregulation in Raynaud's phenomenon
D Greenstein1, N K Gupta, P Martin
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds.
Angiology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) exhibit impaired thermoregulation, showing reduced blood flow and prolonged rewarming after cold exposure. This suggests a compromised body temperature regulation mechanism contributes to cold sensitivity in RP.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Science
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by exaggerated vasoconstriction in extremities upon cold exposure.
- The role of the central thermoregulatory apparatus in the etiology of RP requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermoregulatory response in women with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) compared to healthy controls.
- To determine if impaired thermoregulation contributes to the cold sensitivity observed in RP.
Main Methods:
- 15 women with RP and 12 controls underwent controlled central body cooling and warming in an environmental chamber.
- Digital blood flow was measured using plethysmography, alongside skin and oral temperatures.
- Subjects were exposed to varying ambient temperatures (25°C, 35°C, 13°C) to assess thermoregulatory responses.
Main Results:
- Subjects with RP demonstrated significantly lower digital blood flow throughout the experiment compared to controls.
- The rewarming response of digits was considerably prolonged in the RP group after central cooling.
- Body temperature in the RP group was lower and exhibited a greater drop following cold challenge.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon possess an impaired thermoregulatory mechanism.
- This deficit in thermoregulation may partially explain the characteristic cold sensitivity experienced by RP patients.
- Findings suggest a link between central thermoregulation and the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon.