[Contractile responses of subcutaneous vessels to drops in temperature]

In rabbits, application of ice-cold water to the ear lowers the skin temperature by 10.3 degrees C and, within 3-4 sec, the temperature in the subcutaneous vein by 4.3 degrees C. A stepwise cooling of isolated subcutaneous artery or vein causes their constriction, and warming dilates the vessels with maximal amplitude when the temperature is changed by 8-12 degrees C. Further cooling or warming diminishes the response. Optimal constrictory responses of subcutaneous vessels to a standard dose of norepinephrine were observed at 38-32 degrees C.