Influence of light intensities on dressing behavior in elderly people

With civilized environments in modern society, since the people tend to depend more on artificial illumination than on natural illumination which makes less discrepancy between day and night life, clarifying the relationship between human life and illumination is necessary. In our previous studies, we found that the subjects dressed faster with thicker clothing in the morning than in the evening when the room temperature decreased from 30 degrees C to 15 degrees C over 1 hour. We considered these results in terms of load error between the actual and set-point values in the core temperature. The present study was designed to examine the effect of bright light (3,000 lx)/dim light (50 lx) exposure (09:30 h-14:30 h) on dressing behavior and thermoregulatory responses in the elderly people during the afternoon cold exposure. Five female subjects were instructed to dress to feel comfortable when the room temperature was decreased from 30 degrees C to 15 degrees C (15:00 h-17:00 h). The subjects felt cooler and dressed more quickly with thicker clothing after dim light exposure, it is conceivable that the set-point value of core temperature is reduced under the bright light condition. We discussed these results in terms of the establishment of set-point values in the core temperature at bright light condition. If the set-point of the core temperature is lower in the bright than in the dim light condition in present experiment, the dressing behavior with thinner clothing in the bright light condition is advantageous, since it enables the core temperature to reach its set-point value more easily.     

Influence of two different light intensities from 16:00 to 20:30 hours on evening dressing behavior in the cold

The present experiment tested our hypothesis that the subjects will wear more clothing in the evening cold under the influence of bright light exposure in the late afternoon and evening. Nine young female adults participated in this study. Light intensity was controlled from 9:00 h to 16:00 h at 100 lx, and from 16:00 h to 20:30 h either at 3000 lx in the bright light (Brighte) or at 10 lx in the dim light ("Dim") conditions. Light intensity was maintained at 10 lx from 20:30 h to 23:00 h. They were instructed to wear garments to maintain themselves to feel comfortable during the fall of ambient temperature from 30 degrees C to 15 degrees C (21:00 h - 22:00 h) and its constant temperature at 15 degrees C (22:00 h - 23:00 h). Most subjects dressed in heavier clothing in the "Bright" than in the "Dim" conditions. The evening fall of core temperature was significantly smaller and the urinary melatonin secretion was significantly lower in the "Bright" condition, suggesting that the set-point of core temperature has been set at a higher level during the evening and at night, being influenced by the less amount of melatonin secretion. Thus, it is concluded that the late afternoon and evening bright light exposure could accelerate the dressing behavior in the evening cold.     

The effects of fabric air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women at cyclic changes of ambient temperatures from 27 degrees C to 33 degrees C

The present paper aimed at learning the effects of two different levels of air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were investigated: 1) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and low air permeability (A clothing); 2) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and high air permeability (B clothing); and 3) cotton clothing with high moisture absorption and high air permeability (C clothing). After 20 min of dressing time, the room temperature and humidity began to rise from 27 degrees C and 50% rh to 33 degrees C and 70% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained for 30 min (Section I); it then began to fall to 27 degrees C and 50% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained there for 20 min (Section II). The subject sat quietly on a chair for 110 min. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1) The clothing surface temperature was significantly higher in C clothing than in B clothing during section I, but it was significantly higher in B clothing than in C clothing during section II. 2) Although the positive relationship between the microclimate humidity and forearm sweat rate was significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the microclimate humidity at the chest for the same sweat rate was lower in C clothing than in A and B clothing. These results were discussed in terms of thermal physiology.     

Face cooling by cold wind in walking subjects

The effects of low to moderate wind speeds on face temperature, thermal and pain sensations while subjects walked on a treadmill during cold exposure were studied in eight healthy men. The purpose of the study was to evaluate further the risk of frostbite at different activity levels. The walking speed was 2.8 km h(-1) and two inclination levels were used, 0 degrees and 6 degrees. The subjects were exposed to -10 degrees C and 0, 1 or 5 m s(-1) wind for 60 min dressed in cold-protective clothing with only the face unprotected. Results from previous experiments with the same subjects standing for 30 min were included in the analysis of the data. Each individual was exposed to all combinations of air velocity and activity level. The exposure to -10 degrees C and the highest wind speed used would carry no risk of frostbite according to the wind chill index. Cold lowered the skin temperature of the face significantly and wind further increased skin cooling. The activity level did not affect forehead and cheek temperatures, but the average nose skin temperature was higher and pain sensations were reduced at a higher work rate. The predicted risk of frostbite in the nose, based on average responses, would thus be less at a higher work rate. However, the results indicate that exercise does not necessarily protect all individuals from frostbite at moderate air speeds, since the nose skin temperature of 25% of the subjects dropped to 0 degrees C at 5 m s(-1) during both standing and walking. Thus the potential individual risk of frostbite in the nose is similar during light exercise and standing. Moreover, the risk of frostbite seems to be underestimated by the wind chill index under the conditions tested in this study.     

模拟强日光短时间照射导致兔视网膜细胞凋亡的实验研究

目的:探讨模拟强日光短时间照射导致兔视网膜细胞凋亡的病理学改变的特征及其发生机制。方法:10只健康新西兰白兔按是否给予30000lx模拟日光照射30min随机均分为正常组和光照组;采用常规HE染色与TUNEL技术对光损伤后视网膜细胞的病理学改变进行观察。结果:光照组2d时视网膜细胞发生退行性变性,TUNEL标记结果显示光损伤后视网膜内、外核层出现大量阳性着色细胞。结论:模拟强日光短时间照射可导致视网膜细胞发生退行性变性,凋亡是视网膜内、外核层细胞退行性变性的重要发生机制。     

Manipulation of temperature and illumination conditions for enhanced beta-carotene production by mutant 32 of Rhodotorula glutinis

AIMS: Enhancement in the production of beta-carotene by the hyper producer mutant 32 of Rhodotorula glutinis by manipulation of temperature and illumination. METHODS AND RESULTS: Growth and beta-carotene production was investigated in a 1 litre fermenter at different temperature and illumination conditions. The optimum temperature for growth and beta-carotene production was 30 and 20 degrees C, respectively. At 30 degrees C, beta-carotene production was 125 +/- 2 mg l-1 and accounted for 66% of the total carotenoids in 72 h; at 20 degrees C, it was 250 +/- 7 mg l-1 and accounted for 92% of total carotenoid content. Continuous illumination of the fermenter by 1000 lx white light hampered growth as well as carotenoid synthesis. At 30 degrees C, illuminating the fermenter in late logarithmic phase resulted in a 58% increase in beta-carotene production with a concurrent decrease in torulene; at 20 degrees C, however, it showed no appreciable increase. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Proper manipulation of culture conditions enhanced beta-carotene production by R. glutinis which makes it a significant source of beta-carotene.     

Functional similarity in relation to the external environment between circadian behavioral and melatonin rhythms in the subtropical Indian weaver bird

The present study investigated whether the circadian oscillators controlling rhythms in activity behavior and melatonin secretion shared similar functional relationship with the external environment. We simultaneously measured the effects of varying illuminations on rhythms of movement and melatonin levels in Indian weaver birds under synchronized (experiment 1) and freerunning (experiment 2) light conditions. In experiment 1, weaverbirds were exposed to 12h light: 12h darkness (12L:12D; L = 20 lx, D = 0.1 lx) for 2.5 weeks. Then, the illumination of the dark period was sequentially enhanced to 1-, 5-, 10-, 20- and 100 lx at the intervals of about 2 to 4 weeks. In experiment 2, weaver birds similarly exposed for 2.5 weeks to 12L:12D (L = 100 lx; D = 0.1 lx) were released in constant dim light (LL(dim), 0.1 lx) for 6 weeks. Thereafter, LL(dim) illumination was sequentially enhanced to 1-, 3- and 5 lx at the intervals of about 2 weeks. Whereas the activity of singly housed individuals was continuously recorded, the plasma melatonin levels were measured at two time of the day, once in each light condition. The circadian outputs in activity and melatonin were phase coupled with an inverse phase relationship: melatonin levels were low during the active phase (light period) and high during the inactive phase (dark period). This phase relationship continued in both the synchronized and freerunning states as long as circadian activity and melatonin oscillators subjectively interpreted synchronously the daily light environment, based on illumination intensity and/or photophase contrast, as the times of day and night. There were dissociations between the response of the activity rhythms and melatonin rhythms in light conditions when the contrast between day and night was much reduced (20:10 lx) or became equal. We suggest that circadian oscillators governing activity behavior and melatonin secretion in weaverbirds are phase coupled, but they seem to independently respond to environmental cues. This would probably explain the varying degree to which the involvement of pineal/melatonin in regulation of circadian behaviors has been found among different birds.     

The Influence of the Bright Light Exposure during Daytime on Melatonin Excreting Rate in Urine

The present study was conducted to know the effects of different light intensities exposed during daytime for several hours on melatonin excreting rate in urine and tympanic temperature. Eleven healthy female subjects were exposed to bright light of 6000 lx (Bright) or dim light of 100 lx (Dim) during daytime from 09:00 h to 13:30 h, and then the light condition was kept at 100 lx until the end of test at 14:30 h. The urinary samples were collected from 10:00 h to 14:30 h every 1.5 hours, and melatonin excreting rate in urine was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Melatonin excreting rate in urine was significantly higher in Bright than in Dim at 11:30 h and 14:30 h, and not significant but at high level at 13:00 h (p <0.07). Moreover, average tympanic temperatures were significantly lower in Bright than in Dim from 11:43 h to 14:30 h. These results showed that the bright light exposure during daytime could reduce tympanic temperature, which might result from the increase of melatonin level.     

Effects of color temperature of illumination on physiological functions

This article presents our recent studies on the effects of color temperature on the taste sense and the influence of color temperature on bright light exposure during night rest period. Ten male Japanese and ten male Chinese were exposed to four illumination conditions (200, 1500 lx x 3000, 7500 K). Their taste threshold of four common tastes and amount of saliva were measured. It was found in both Japanese and Chinese subjects that sensitivities to sweet and bitter taste were decreased under the lower illuminance condition. Under the lower color temperature condition, sensitivity to bitter taste in Japanese and sweet taste in Chinese were decreased. Secretion of saliva increased under the lower illuminance condition in both Japanese and Chinese. Only in Chinese subjects, secretion of saliva increased under the lower color temperature condition. In a separate experiment, six male Japanese students were subjected to bright light exposure during a night rest period. They performed a mental task from 23:00 h till 02:00 h, and took a rest from 00:00 h to 01:00 h. During the rest period they were exposed to bright light (3000 lx) of three different color temperatures: 3000 K, 5000 K, and 7000 K. After exposure to bright light of 3000 K but not at other color temperatures, the EEG alpha1 band ratio and the beta band ratio at 02:00 h were higher and lower, respectively, than that at 01:00 h. These findings indicated that lower color temperature bright light exposure during a night rest break led to a reduction of subjects' arousal level during the subsequent work. Herein, we discuss these results from the viewpoint of physiological anthropology.     

Thermoregulatory responses to intermittent exercise are influenced by knit structure of underwear

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of knit structure in underwear on thermoregulatory responses. Underwear manufactured from 100% polypropylene fibres in five different knit structures (1-by-1 rib, fleece, fishnet, interlock, double-layer rib) was evaluated. All five underwear prototypes were tested as part of a prototype clothing system. Measured on a thermal manikin these clothing systems had total thermal resistances of 0.243, 0.268, 0.256, 0.248 and 0.250 m2.K.W-1, respectively (including a value for the thermal resistance of the ambient environment of 0.104 m2.K.W-1). Human testing was done on eight male subjects and took place at ambient temperature (Ta) = 5 degrees C, dew point temperature (Tdp) = -3.5 degrees C and air velocity (Va) = 0.32 m.s-1. The test comprised a repeated bout of 40-min cycle exercise (315 W.m-2; 52%, SD 4.9% maximal oxygen uptake) followed by 20 min of rest (62 W.m-2). The oxygen uptake, heart rate, oesophageal temperature, skin temperature, Ta, Tdp at the skin and in the ambient air, onset of sweating, evaporation rate, non-evaporated sweat accumulated in the clothing and total evaporative loss of mass were measured. Skin wettedness was calculated. The differences in knit structure of the underwear in the clothing systems resulted in significant differences in mean skin temperature, local and average skin wettedness, non-evaporated and evaporated sweat during the course of the intermittent exercise test. No differences were observed over this period in the core temperature measurements.     

Effects of different light intensities during the forenoon on the afternoon thermal sensation in mild cold

1. 1. The study aimed at knowing whether thermal sensation during afternoon cool exposure could be influenced by bright light (4000 lx) or dim light (200 lx) in the forenoon.

2. 2. The subjects felt cooler after exposure to dim light than to bright light.

3. 3. Melatonin in the urine was significantly higher in bright light than in dim light at 10:30 h and at noon.

     

Thermophysiological responses under the influences of two types of clothing at an ambient temperature of 32 degrees C with sun radiation

This study aimed to examine the different thermophysiological responses between two types of clothing (HALF, shirts with half sleeves and knee-length trousers; and LONG, shirts with long sleeves and long trousers) in a warm environment with artificial sun radiation. Seven females volunteered as subjects. The subject sat on a balance for 1 h in a climatic chamber with artificial sun. The artificial sun radiation was 600 kcal.m-2.h-1 in front of the subject. The ambient temperature was increased gradually from 27 to 31 degrees C over the experimental period. The globe temperature also increased from 27 to 43 degrees C in 15 min and was kept at 44 degrees C on additional 45 min. The main results were summarized as follows: 1) Extent of rise in rectal and mean skin temperatures during 1 h exposure was significantly higher in HALF than in LONG. 2) Local sweat rate was greater in HALF. 3) The subjects felt wetter and less comfortable in LONG. These results suggest that LONG could weaken heat stress when the subjects were exposed to sun radiation even under moderate warm ambient temperature.     

Rewarming of feet by lower and upper body exercise

The capacity of different types of exercise to rewarm the body, especially the feet, was studied. Six healthy male subjects wearing winter clothing (2.4 clo, 0.37 degrees C.m2.W-1) were exposed on three occasions to -15 degrees C for 120 min. For the first 60 min the subjects were cooled while sitting motionless and for the latter 60 min they were submitted to cycle ergometer exercise (CE), arm ergometer exercise (AE) or step exercise (ST). The rate of work in CE (about 350 W) served as a reference value for AE and ST. The cooling resulted in an average 1.7 (SEM 0.03) degrees C decrease in mean body temperature (Tb) corresponding to a 425 (SEM 9) kJ heat debt. The ST increased most effectively mean skin, rectal and lower body skin temperatures as well as dry heat loss. The ST increased Tb by 0.83 (SEM 0.16) degrees C, CE by 0.10 (SEM 0.11) degrees C and AE by only 0.07 (SEM 0.12) degrees C. At the end of the exercise the foot temperature was approximately 6 degrees C higher in ST than in CE. The superior rewarming by ST was apparently due to its low mechanical efficiency. Because the increase in Tb could not explain all the changes in foot temperatures, increased circulation and metabolism of the feet would also appear to have been involved.     

Physiological responses and thermal sensations of the elderly in cold and hot environments

1. 1. 10 elderly and 10 college-aged females served as subjects in cold and heat environments. The subjects changed into the standard clothing (0.63 clo), and stayed in the neutral environment (25°C) for 23 min, thereafter they were exposed to the cold (10°C) or hot (35°C) environment for 49 min.

2. 2. Then they returned to the neutral environment, and stayed there for 47 min. Oral temperature, skin temperatures at 10 sites, blood pressure and thermal sensation were measured during the experiments.

3. 3. In the cold environment, the elderly could not reduce heat loss by vasoconstriction as did young people, and their blood pressures increased more rapidly than in young people. In the hot environment, the elderly could not promote heat loss by vasodilation as did young people. Moreover, there is a delayed sensitivity to cold for the elderly. Therefore, in the houses of the elderly, it is important to have heating and cooling systems which also includes the areas where the people do not stay for a long period of time (e.g. toilet, passageways).

Light exposure of oocytes and pregnancy rates after their transfer in the rabbit

Groups of unfertilized and pronuclear stage rabbit oocytes were exposed to fluorescent light of 3250 lx for 20-30 min at 37 degrees C. In 6 experiments with fertilization achieved in vivo, 54% of the zygotes exposed as secondary oocytes and 67% of light-protected controls had implanted and developed normally 16 days after transfer to the contralateral oviducts of synchronized recipients. When pronuclear oocytes were exposed similarly in 8 experiments, 63% had established a normal pregnancy at 16 days after transfer compared to 65% of the controls. In 5 of these pregnancies which were allowed to proceed to term, all the young born appeared normal. Though similar in size, it is not clear whether the rabbit oocyte constitutes a suitable model for the human oocyte in regard to the effects of visible light. However, the level of exposure used here is 200-300 times that experienced during normal in-vitro manipulation of human eggs. The absence of significant effects should allay concerns that light is a negative factor in the normal procedure of in-vitro fertilization in man.     

草地贪夜蛾成虫复眼明暗适应及黄光照射下明适应状态转化率

【目的】蛾类昆虫的趋光性与复眼明暗适应状态的转化有着直接的关系，本研究旨在阐明光照与草地贪夜蛾Spodotera frugiperda复眼明暗适应状态转化的关系。【方法】在光、暗适应条件和不同光照强度黄光照射下，在不同时间段，用相机迅速拍照，观察统计草地贪夜蛾成虫复眼的明暗适应状态及明、暗适应状态转化率。【结果】在明适应状态下，草地贪夜蛾成虫经黄光照射1 h后，随光照强度的增加，复眼明适应状态保持率逐步升高：雄成虫复眼在0.1~0.5 lx时明适应状态保持率为67.77%(有32.23%的转化为暗适应状态与中间状态)，4~6 lx时明适应状态保持率达到100%；雌成虫复眼在7~10 lx时，明适应状态保持率达98.90%。在明适应状态下，经黄光照射3 h后，草地贪夜蛾成虫复眼明适应状态保持率亦随着光照强度的增加逐步升高，在0.1~0.5 lx时雄成虫复眼明适应状态保持率为50.00%,雌成虫为32.23%；在光照强度7~10 lx时，雌雄成虫复眼明适应状态保持率分别为90.00%和100%。在暗适应状态下，草地贪夜蛾成虫经不同光照强度的黄光照射30 min后，成虫复眼向明适应状态逐渐转化：在0.1~0.5 lx光照强度时雌、雄成虫复眼明适应状态转化率均为93.33%；当光照强度达到0.6~0.9 lx时雌成虫复眼的明适应状态转化率达到100%，雄成虫复眼则在1~2 lx时达到100%。【结论】结果说明，草地贪夜蛾成虫有较强的光敏感性，且雌虫对黄光的光敏感性略强于雄虫。     

Mild endotoxemia, NF-kappaB translocation, and cytokine increase during exertional heat stress in trained and untrained individuals

This study examined endotoxin-mediated cytokinemia during exertional heat stress (EHS). Subjects were divided into trained [TR; n=12, peak aerobic power (VO2peak)=70+/-2 ml.kg lean body mass(-1).min(-1)] and untrained (UT; n=11, VO2peak=50+/-1 ml.kg lean body mass(-1).min(-1)) groups before walking at 4.5 km/h with 2% elevation in a climatic chamber (40 degrees C, 30% relative humidity) wearing protective clothing until exhaustion (Exh). Venous blood samples at baseline and 0.5 degrees C rectal temperature increments (38.0, 38.5, 39.0, 39.5, and 40.0 degrees C/Exh) were analyzed for endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, circulating cytokines, and intranuclear NF-kappaB translocation. Baseline and Exh samples were also stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) and cultured in vitro in a 37 degrees C water bath for 30 min. Phenotypic determination of natural killer cell frequency was also determined. Enhanced blood (104+/-6 vs. 84+/-3 ml/kg) and plasma volumes (64+/-4 vs. 51+/-2 ml/kg) were observed in TR compared with UT subjects. EHS produced an increased concentration of circulating endotoxin in both TR (8+/-2 pg/ml) and UT subjects (15+/-3 pg/ml) (range: not detected to 32 pg/ml), corresponding with NF-kappaB translocation and cytokine increases in both groups. In addition, circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6 were also elevated combined with concomitant increases in IL-1 receptor antagonist in both groups and IL-10 in TR subjects only. Findings suggest that the threshold for endotoxin leakage and inflammatory activation during EHS occurs at a lower temperature in UT compared with TR subjects and support the endotoxin translocation hypothesis of exertional heat stroke, linking endotoxin tolerance and heat tolerance.     

HSP70 binds to the fast-twitch skeletal muscle sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA1a) and prevents thermal inactivation

This study examined whether HSP70 could bind to and protect against thermal inactivation of SERCA1a, the SERCA isoform expressed in adult fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles prepared from rat gastrocnemius muscle were incubated with purified HSP70 at both 37 and 41 degrees C for either 30, 60, or 120 min. Maximal SERCA1a activity (micromol/g protein/min) in the absence of HSP70 was reduced progressively with time, with greater reductions occurring at 41 degrees C compared with 37 degrees C. HSP70 protected against thermal inactivation of SERCA1a activity at 37 degrees C but not at 41 degrees C and only at 30 and 60 min but not at 120 min. HSP70 also protected against reductions in binding capacity for fluorescein isothiocyanate, a fluorescent probe that binds to Lys515 in the nucleotide binding domain of SERCA, at 30 and 60 min but not at 120 min, an effect that was independent of temperature. HEK-293 cells were co-transfected with cDNAs encoding rabbit SERCA1a and human HSP-EYFP and subjected to 40 degrees C for 1 h. Immunohistochemistry revealed nearly complete co-localization of SERCA1a with HSP70 under these conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation showed physical interaction between HSP70 and SERCA1a under all thermal conditions both in vitro and in HEK-293 cells. Modeling showed that the fluorescein isothiocyanate-binding site of intact SERCA1a in the E2 form lies in its close proximity to a potential interaction site between SERCA1a and HSP70. These results indicate that HSP70 can bind to SERCA1a and, depending on the severity of heat stress, protect SERCA1a function by stabilizing the nucleotide binding domain.     

Does light intensity affect self‐feeding and food wastage in group‐held rainbow trout and white‐spotted charr?

The self‐feeding rhythms of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis were studied when group‐held fishes ( n  = 10 per group) were fed using self‐feeders under two different light intensities (50 lx, 16 μW cm⁻² and 700 lx, 215 μW cm⁻²) during the light phase of the light‐dark cycle. Food wastage was also measured. At 50 lx, all groups of rainbow trout learned to operate the self‐feeder within 4 days, whereas it took up to 25 days for all groups at 700 lx. In contrast, all groups of white‐spotted charr learned self‐feeding within 17 days, irrespective of light intensity. These results, although non‐significant, suggest that lower light intensities can stimulate instrumental learning in rainbow trout, but not white‐spotted charr. In rainbow trout, the total number of trigger actuations for the entire experimental period was significantly higher at 50 rather than 700 lx, although this may have been related to delayed learning at 700 lx. There was no significant effect in white‐spotted charr. Growth rate (assessed using the thermal growth coefficient) was also higher in rainbow trout but not white‐spotted charr at 50 rather than 700 lx, although this difference was non‐significant. Light intensity had no significant effect on food wastage in either rainbow trout or white‐spotted charr, and it did not appear to affect the proportion of trigger actuations during the light phase. Clear diurnal feeding rhythms were observed in both species and these were classified into four categories: uniform, dawn, dusk and crepuscular. At 50 lx, fish from both species generally fed in temporally localized periods at either dawn and dusk, whilst feeding was predominantly uniform during the light phase at 700 lx.     

Electron spin resonance of electron transport in photosynthetic systems. IX. Temperature dependence of the kinetics of P700 redox transients in bean chloroplasts induced by flashes of different duration

The temperature dependence of the kinetics of P700 redox transients in bean chloroplasts was studied. The flashes of white light with different duration (7 microseconds, 0.5 and 0.75 ms) were fired simultaneously with the background continuous far red light (lambda max = 707 nm). It was shown that the rate of P700+ reduction was temperature dependent and increased with the rise of the concentration of the reductants in the electron transport chain between photosystems. Photosystem 2 donates electrons to P700+ at temperatures from -5 to 45 degrees C under various modes of flash illumination. Experiments with spin labels showed that there were correlation between the physical state of lipids in the chloroplasts membrane and the rates of different steps of electron transport from photosystem 2 to photosystem 1--plastoquinone reduction by photosystem 2 and plastoquinol oxidation by photosystem 1. We assume that the rates of electron transport reaction of the plastoquinone shuttle are controlled by diffusion of plastoquinone and plastoquinole in the hydrophobic part of the thylakoid membrane. Additional evidence in support of that proposal was obtained from the temperature dependence of light induced spin label reduction which occurred due to its interaction with the plastoquinol of plastosemiquinone.