Thermal balance and biogenic amine excretion in Gaspé fishermen exposed to cold

Abstract

Previous studies have shown a decreased response in fishermen to cold applied locally. In the present study, the same subjects, when exposed naked for 1 hr at 60 F maintained a higher skin temperature than a control group. If these findings indicate a decreased vasoconstriction, all results obtained to date on these fishermen would indicate a decreased adrenergic response. Evidence of gross shivering was much more pronounced in the fishermen but this was not reflected by greater heat production. Both groups excreted more hydroxycortisone in the cold, and the excretion was higher in the control subjects. Cold exposure did not increase the catecholamine excretion in either group. Note: (With the Technical Assistance of P. Tousignant) acclimatization; body temperature; skin temperature; vasomotor adaptation; shivering; adrenergic response in cold habituation; hydroxycortisone excretion in cold stress Submitted on June 17, 1963