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Biomedical subjects

L A Stephenson

Publications and source records attributed to L A Stephenson.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Exercise thermoregulation after prolonged wakefulness.

The effect of 33 h of wakefulness on the control of forearm cutaneous blood flow and forearm sweating during exercise was studied in three men and three women. Subjects exercised for 30 min at 60% peak O2 consumption while seated behind a cycle ergometer (Ta = 35 degrees C, Pw = 1.0 kPa). We measured esophageal temperature (Tes), mean skin temperature, and arm sweating continuously and forearm blood flow (FBF) as an index of skin blood flow, twice each minute by venous occlusion plethysmography. During steady-state exercise, Tes was unchanged by sleep loss. The sensitivity of FBF to Tes was depressed an average of 30% (P less than 0.05) after 33 h of wakefulness with a slight decrease (-0.15 degrees C, P less than 0.05) in the core temperature threshold for vasodilatory onset. Sleep loss did not alter the Tes at which the onset of sweating occurred; however, sensitivity of arm sweating to Tes tended to be lower but was not significant. Arm skin temperature was not different between control and sleep loss experiments. Reflex cutaneous vasodilation during exercise appeared to be reduced by both central and local factors after 33 h of wakefulness.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Heat exchange during encapsulation in a chemical warfare agent protective patient wrap in four hot environments.

Tolerable encapsulation time in a Chemical Warfare Agent Protective Patient Wrap (dry insulative value = 1.44 clo; permeability index = 0.25) was determined in four hot environments including a simulated solar heat load (1152 W.m-2) for eight males. Mean body temperature (Tb), evaporative heat loss (EHL), dry heat gain (R + C), metabolic rate (M), and net heat flow (Msk) were measured or calculated from the heat balance equation. The ambient temperature (Ta) ranged from 54.7 degrees C (I) to 35.7 degrees C (IV) and the relative humidity ranged from 17% (I) to 63% (IV). EHL ranged from 173.5 W.m-2 (IV) to 277.8 W.m-2 (I) at min 30 of encapsulation. R + C ranged from -129 W.m-2 (IV) to -230 W.m-2 (I) at that time and Tb averaged 37.6(+/- 0.3) degrees C (IV) and 38.1(+/- 0.2) degrees C (I). The average time of encapsulation ranged from 61.8(+/- 0.2) degrees C (I). The average time of encapsulation ranged from 61.8(+/- 13.2) min (IV) to 38.4(+/- 5.0) min (I). A multiple linear regression equation to predict tolerable encapsulation was developed. These data show that tolerable encapsulation is severely limited in hot environments which have a marked solar heat load. A preliminary study (n = 2) indicated that encapsulation time in 54.7 degrees C/17%rh could be extended by some 23 min by covering the WRAP with wetted towels, thereby decreasing body heat storage by enhancing EHL from the surface of the WRAP.

Body Temperature Regulation↗
PubMed1987

Cutaneous blood flow and local sweating after systemic atropine administration.

Localized cutaneous vasodilation (flush) is seen following systemic atropine administration. To verify calculated enhanced dry heat loss with actual changes in cutaneous blood flow, four men were studied in both control and atropine (0.025 mg.kg-1; im) experiments (Ta = 30 degrees C, Tdp = 7 degrees C) during moderate exercise (55% VO2 peak). Esophageal temperature (Tes) and arm sweating (ms) by local dewpoint were measured continously. Skin (forearm) blood flow (FBF) was measured twice each minute by venous occlusion plethysmography. Injection of atropine (2 mg) caused an increased sensitivity (+85%, p less than 0.01) in FBF to Tes with no change in the vasodilator threshold. An elevated Tes onset (0.3 degrees C, p less than 0.05) for sweating occurred with no change in the sensitivity of ms to Tes (-27%, p less than 0.20). No elevation in either forearm or Tsk occurred before the onset of vasodilation, however, both mean skin (Tsk) and local arm temperatures were higher in the atropine experiments after 15 min of exercise. Systemic atropine resulted in higher cutaneous vasodilation at the same core temperature with the local skin temperature following passively. The effect of systemic atropine in stimulation of increased cutaneous vasodilation is suggested to result by a combination of central and local responses which may be mediated through the release of vasoactive sustances.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Local sweating and cutaneous blood flow during exercise in hypobaric environments.

The effect of acute hypobaric hypoxia on local sweating and cutaneous blood flow was studied in four men and four women (follicular phase of menstrual cycle), who exercised at 60% of their altitude-specific peak aerobic power for 35 min at barometric pressures (PB) of 770 Torr (sea level), 552 Torr (2,596 m), and 428 Torr (4,575 m) at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C. We measured esophageal temperature (Tes), mean skin temperature (Tsk, 8 sites), and local sweating (ms) from dew-point sensors attached to the skin at the chest, arm, and thigh. Skin blood flow (SkBF) of the forearm was measured once each minute by venous occlusion plethysmography. There were no gender differences in the sensitivity (slope) or the threshold of either ms/Tes or SkBF/Tes at any altitude. No change in the Tes for sweating onset occurred with altitude. The mean slopes of the ms/Tes relationships for the three regional sites decreased with increasing altitude, although these differences were not significant between the two lower PBS. The slope of SkBF/Tes was reduced in five of the eight subjects at 428 Torr. Enhanced body cooling as a response to the higher evaporative capacity of the environment is suggested as a component of these peripheral changes occurring in hypobaric hypoxia.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Human thermoregulation after atropine and/or pralidoxime administration.

The effects of intramuscular saline (control), atropine (2 mg), and/or pralidoxime (600 mg) on heat exchange was evaluated in four healthy males during seated, cycle exercise (55% Vo2 peak) in a temperate environment (Ta = 30.3 degrees C, Pw = 1.0 kPa). Esophageal (Tes), rectal (Tre), and mean skin temperatures (Tsk), and chest and forearm sweating (ms) were continuously measured. Skin blood flow (FBF) from the forearm was measured twice each minute by venous occlusion plethysmography. Whole body sweating was calculated from weight changes. The expected result of atropine injection, decreased eccrine sweating (-60%, p less than 0.05) and elevated esophageal (+0.4 degree C, p less than 0.05) and skin temperatures (+2.1 degrees C, p less than 0.05) was observed relative to control. Heart rate (+28 b X min-1) and FBF (+9 ml X 100 ml-1 X min-1) were higher after atropine. Pralidoxime, in general, did not affect the core and skin temperature responses to the exercise differently from control; however, a slightly elevated FBF (+3 ml X 100 cc-1 X min-1, 33%) compensated for the reduction in whole body sweating (-45%, p less than 0.05] that we observed. The combination of the drugs resulted in significantly higher esophageal (0.4 degree C) and skin (0.9 degree C) temperatures than atropine alone, as has been previously shown. The thermoregulatory disadvantage of inhibited sweating by atropine was partially compensated for by enhanced skin blood flow in this environment where Ta less than Tsk. Pralidoxime was shown to decrease whole body sweating, by a mechanism as yet unexplained.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Effect of nerve block on response of forearm blood flow to local temperature.

To determine the role of neurotransmitter in the response of forearm blood flow (ABF) to local (forearm) skin temperature (Tsk) we measured ABF of six subjects at Tsk from 25 to 40 degrees C before (control) and after brachial plexus block (BPB). Control experiments were conducted in an ambient temperature of 27-29 degrees C, adjusted to minimize the subject's overall thermal sensation. Tsk was regulated by blowing a controlled-temperature airstream through a plastic bag enclosing the arm. We first lowered Tsk to 25 degrees C and after 20 min began to measure ABF with Whitney strain gauges. We then raised Tsk by 2.5 degrees C steps to 40 degrees C and measured ABF every 30 s for at least 10 min at each level of Tsk. Mean ABF rose from 1.1 ml X 100 ml-1 X min-1 at Tsk of 25 degrees C to 2.1 ml X 100 ml-1 X min-1 at 32.5 degrees C to 13.7 ml X 100 ml-1 X min-1 at 40 degrees C in control experiments and from 2.8 to 4.4 to 14.8 ml X 100 ml-1 X min-1 after BPB. The effect of Tsk on ABF was highly significant (P less than 0.0001) but the effect of BPB was not (P approximately equal to 0.2). At thermoneutrality, the effect of Tsk on ABF is largely independent of neural activity, since this effect is unaffected by nerve block.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Role of changes in insulin and glucagon in glucose homeostasis in exercise.

This experiment was performed to determine if plasma glucose homeostasis is maintained in normal human volunteers during light exercise (40% maximal oxygen consumption [VO2 max]) when changes in insulin and glucagon are prevented. Hormonal control was achieved by the infusion of somatostatin, insulin, and glucagon. Glucose kinetics and oxidation rates were determined with stable isotopic tracers of glucose, and by indirect calorimetry. Two different rates of replacement of insulin and glucagon were used; in one group, insulin was clamped at 19.8 +/- 2.6 microU/ml (high-insulin group), and in the other group insulin was clamped at 9.2 +/- 1.3 microU/ml (low-insulin group). Glucagon was maintained at 261 +/- 16.2 and 124 +/- 6.4 pg/ml, respectively, in the high-insulin and low-insulin groups. Without hormonal control, plasma glucose homeostasis was maintained during exercise because the increase in glucose uptake was balanced by a corresponding increase in glucose production. When changes in insulin and glucagon were prevented, plasma glucose concentration fell, particularly in the high-insulin group. Glucose uptake increased to a greater extent than when hormones were not controlled, and glucose production did not increase sufficiently to compensate. The increase in glucose uptake in the hormonal control groups was associated with an increased rate of glucose oxidation. When euglycemia was maintained by glucose infusion in the hormonal control subjects, the modest increase in glucose production that otherwise occurred was prevented. It is concluded that during light exercise there must be a reduction in insulin concentration and/or an increase in glucagon concentration if plasma glucose homeostasis is to be maintained. If such changes do not occur, hypoglycemia, and hence exhaustion, may occur.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1986

Effects of atropine on thermoregulatory responses to exercise in different environments.

The thermoregulatory effects of atropine (2 mg im) were examined in six heat-acclimated subjects during exercise in three environments, which provided different evaporative capacities, but similar heat stress as indicated by the wet bulb, globe temperature index (WBGT). Subjects walked in environments of Ta = 42.3 degrees C, Tdp = 14.6 degrees C, WBGT = 29.1 degrees C (HD); Ta = 33.9 degrees C, Tdp = 23.5 degrees C, WBGT = 28.9 degrees C (WM); Ta = 30.4 degrees C, Tdp = 23.8 degrees C, WBGT = 27.4 degrees C, (WW) after atropine and saline injections. In comparison to saline, atropine elevated rectal temperature (Tre) (p less than 0.05) in HD. Additionally, atropine elevated (p less than 0.01) mean skin temperature (Tsk), and heart rate (HR) in all three environments relative to saline. Whole body sweating rate (msw) was 45% lower (p less than 0.01) in each environment after atropine relative to saline. Exercise time was reduced from saline values (p less than 0.05) by 26.5 min in the HD after atropine. Within the atropine treatments, Tre was higher (p less than 0.05) in HD (0.6 degrees C) than WW, and HR was higher (p less than 0.05) in HD (23 b X min-1) and WM (14 b X min-1) than WW. Tsk was higher (p less than 0.01) in WM than WW (1.2 degrees C) and in HD than WM (1.5 degrees C). Exercise time was 26.5 min longer (p less than 0.05) in WW than HD in the atropine experiments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Menstrual cycle phase and time of day alter reference signal controlling arm blood flow and sweating.

The changes occurring in the esophageal temperature (Tes) thresholds for initiation of heat loss responses as affected by the circadian period and menstrual cycle were studied. Four women exercised at 60% peak Vo2 in 35 degrees C (ambient water vapor pressure 1.73 kPa) for 30 min at 0400 and 1600 during the follicular (F) and luteal (L) phase. Tes, arm sweating rate (msw), and forearm blood flow (FBF) were measured frequently. At rest, Tes averaged 0.3 degrees C higher during L than F at both 0400 and 1600 and approximately 0.4 degrees C higher at 1600 than at 0400 during both phases. During exercise transients, the slopes of the FBF:Tes and the msw:Tes relationships were not different among treatments. The thresholds for initiation of sweating and cutaneous vasodilation were higher at 1600 than 0400 during both phases. Thresholds during F at 0400 averaged 36.44 degrees C for msw and 36.80 degrees C for vasodilation. The thresholds during L at 1600 averaged 37.46 and 37.53 degrees C for sweating and vasodilation, respectively. Our data indicate that the thermoregulatory effector activity during exercise is a function of numerous inputs, and one of these may be hormonal or hormonal-like in action. Controlling time of day and menstrual cycle phase are as important as controlling for aerobic power, age, and fitness in studying female thermoregulatory responses during exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Modification of Otis-McKerrow valve for measurement of respiratory water loss.

An apparatus is described that allows a continuous measurement of inspired and expired gas dew-point temperature for the calculation of water loss (Eres) during ventilation. A rapid response dew-point temperature measurement method is described which is based on a small Peltier module. The compact structure with near zero system dead space minimizes potential errors inherent in many techniques used to measure Eres. The simple design and rugged construction permit the incorporation of the apparatus into many manual or personal computer controlled oxygen consumption systems. Collection of data may be done in a variety of ambient temperatures, altitudes, and activity levels. There is also the potential for creating a portable system for field use.

Altitude↗
PubMed1984

Circadian rhythm in sweating and cutaneous blood flow.

To characterize the changes in the control of the heat loss responses associated with the circadian variation in body temperature, we studied five men during 20 min of exercise in 25 degrees C on 6 separate days. Experiments were conducted at six times, equally spaced over the 24-h day. Esophageal temperature (Tes) and chest sweat rate (msw) were measured continuously, and forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured one to two times per minute. The thresholds for sweating and forearm vasodilation were significantly higher at 1600 and 2000 than at 2400 and 0400, averaging 0.57 and 0.65 degrees C higher, respectively, at 1600 than at 0400. Resting Tes and the Tes thresholds for cutaneous vasodilation and sweating during exercise all showed a similar circadian rhythm. The level at which core temperature is regulated therefore varies over the 24-h day with the zenith occurring around 1600 and the nadir at 0400. However, whereas the slope of the msw-to-Tes relation did not change over the 24-h day, the slope of the FBF-to-Tes relation tended to increase between 0400 and 2400, implying that the circadian rhythm may be more complex than just a shift in the central reference temperature.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Erythrocyte indices during a competitive marathon.

Three adult male volunteers ran a competitive marathon (42.2 km) during which there was an average ambient air (dry bulb) temperature of 19.4 degree C, with an average ambient water vapor pressure of 9.5 Toor. Prior to and at 4.8-km (3-mi) intervals throughout the race, venous blood samples were drawn from an indwelling catheter in a peripheral arm vein. In each blood sample the total erythrocyte count (EC) was made, and whole blood hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and plasma osmolality were determined. From these measurements, the standard red blood cell (RBC) indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated. The three subjects completed the race in 191, 240, and 310 min, with weight losses averaging 5.4% of prerace body weight. EC linearly decreased below the prerace control levels of 5.69 X 10(6) RBC/mm3 for the first 14.5 km of the race, so that EC was 4.7% below control levels by this point. Subsequently, EC rose back to control levels by 19.3 km, where it remained for the rest of the race. MCHC, MCH, and calculated total RBC volume did not significantly change during the race. Plasma osmolality related to plasma osmolality. These data indicate the dynamic nature of erythrocyte number and volume during long-duration submaximal exercise, and the extraordinary ability of the human body to maintain RBC indices within narrow limits when confronted with a severe stress such as the marathon.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Metabolic and thermoregulatory responses to exercise during the human menstrual cycle.

Metabolic and thermoregulatory responses to exercise during the human menstrual cycle. Med. Sci. Sports Exercise, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 270-275, 1982. Six healthy adult females with presumptively normal menstrual cycles volunteered to exercise on a bicycle ergometer on five separate days (days 2, 8, 14, 20, and 26 of the menstrual cycle; day 1 = onset of menstruation). On each experimental day each subject exercise at four submaximal exercise intensities and at an exercise intensity that elicited a peak oxygen uptake. At rest and at each exercise intensity metabolic and thermoregulatory measurements were made. There were no changes at rest or at any exercise intensity relative to cycle day in absolute oxygen uptake (l . min-1). Similarly, mean peak oxygen uptake and average work time to exhaustion were not different during the various phases of the menstrual cycle. The mean core temperature (Tre) at each exercise intensity was elevated on days 14 and 20 above that observed during flow (day 2) and the follicular phase (day 8). This implied a dissociation of metabolic responses from thermoregulatory responses to exercise during the human menstrual cycle similar to that previously observed in exercising febrile males.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Perceived exertion and anaerobic threshold during the menstrual cycle.

Six adult females with normal menstrual cycles (28-31 d in length) volunteered to exercise on a bicycle ergometer on five different days of their menstrual cycles (days 2, 8, 14, 20, and 26; day 1 = onset of menstruation). Each day the subjects exercised at a maximum work load (184.4 W) and at four submaximal exercise intensities (45.0, 83.1, 121.4 and 154.4 W). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained during minute 4 of each 5-min submaximal exercise bout and at exhaustion each day. Overall, RPE was linearly correlated with heart rate (r = 0.87) when all exercise intensities and cycle days were considered. There was no statistically significant (P greater than 0.05) change in RPE at any exercise intensity related to cycle day. Factors (expired ventilatory volume, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, end-tidal CO2 tension, and heart rate) that may have affected RPE, maximal aerobic power, and anaerobic threshold (AT) were also statistically unchanged because of cycle day. Anaerobic threshold averaged 68.7% of the VO2max, or 1.592 l . min for all cycle days, as determined by the total expiratory volume/oxygen uptake "break point" method of Wasserman and co-workers (18). These data support the utilization of female subjects with normal menstrual cycles in psychophysiological studies without regard to menstrual cycle phase.

Anaerobiosis↗