Non-Uniform, Age-Related Decrements In Regional Sweating And Skin Blood Flow

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Caroline Smith, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Aging is associated with attenuated thermoregulatory function that varies regionally over the body. Decrements in vasodilation and sweating are well documented with age, yet limited data are available concerning the regional relation between these responses. We aimed to examine age-related alterations in the relation between regional sweating (RSR) and skin blood flow (SkBF) to thermal and pharmacological stimuli. Four microdialysis fibers were inserted in the ventral forearm, abdomen, thigh, and lower back of eight healthy aged subjects (64 ± 7 yr) and nine young (23 ± 3 yr) during 1) ACh dose response (1 X 10-7 to 0.1 M, mean skin temperature 34°C) and 2) passive whole body heating to 1°C rise in oral temperature (Tor). RSR and SkBF were measured over each microdialysis membrane using ventilated capsules and laser-Doppler flowmetry. Maximal SkBF was measured at the end of both protocols (50 mM SNP). Regional sweating thresholds and RSR were attenuated in aged vs. young at all sites (P < 0.0001) during whole body heating. Vasodilation thresholds were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Attenuated SkBF were observed at the arm and back in the aged, representing 56 and 82% of those in the young at these sites, respectively (0.5 Tor). During ACh perfusion, SkBF (P = 0.137) and RSR were similar between groups (P = 0.326). Together these findings suggest regional age-related decrements in heat-activated sweat gland function but not cholinergic sensitivity.

Additional Information

Publication
Smith, C., Alexander, L., and Kenney, W. (2013). Non-Uniform, Age-Related Decrements In Regional Sweating And Skin Blood Flow. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 305: R877–R885, 2013. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00290.2013. Publisher version of record available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3798768/
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
sweating, aging, laser-Doppler flowmetry, skin blood flow

Email this document to