Human temperature regulation during narcosis induced by inhalation of 30% nitrous oxide.

The study investigated the effect of inhalation of 30% nitrous oxide (N2O) on temperature regulation in humans. Seven male subjects were immersed to the neck in 28 degrees C water on two separate occasions. They exercised at a rate equivalent to 50% of their maximum work rate on an underwater cycle ergometer for 20 min and remained immersed for an additional 100 min after the exercise. In one trial (AIR) the subjects inspired compressed air, and in the other trial (N2O) they inspired a gas mixture containing N2O (20.93% O2-30% N2O-49.07% N2). Sweating, measured at the forehead, and shivering thermogenesis, as reflected by O2 uptake, were monitored throughout the 100-min recovery period. The threshold core temperatures at which sweating was extinguished and shivering was initiated were established relative to resting preexercise levels. Neither the magnitude of the sweating response nor the core threshold at which it was extinguished was significantly affected by the inhalation of N2O. In contrast, shivering thermogenesis was both significantly reduced during the N2O condition and initiated at significantly lower core temperatures [change in esophageal temperature (delta T(es)) = -0.98 +/- 0.33 degrees C and change in rectal temperature (delta T(re)) = -1.26 degrees C] during the N2O than during the AIR condition (delta T(es) = -0.36 +/- 0.31 degrees C and delta T(re) = -0.44 +/- 0.22 degrees C).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of thermoregulatory responses between men and women immersed in cold water.

Eleven women (age = 24.4 +/- 6.3 yr, mass = 65.0 +/- 7.8 kg, height = 167 +/- 8 cm, body fatness = 22.4 +/- 5.9%, mean +/- SD) were immersed to neck level in 18 degrees C water for up to 90 min for comparison of their thermal responses with those of men (n = 14) in a previous similarly conducted protocol. Metabolic rate increased about three times resting levels in men and women, whereas the rate of rectal temperature cooling (DeltaT(re)/Deltat) in women (0.47 degrees C/h) was about one-half that in men. With use of all data, DeltaT(re)/Deltat correlates with the ratio of body surface area to size and the metabolic rate of shivering correlates inversely to the square root of body fatness. No significant gender differences in total metabolic heat production normalized for body mass or surface area were found among subjects who completed 90 min of immersion (9 women and 7 men). Nor was there a gender difference in the overall percent contribution ( approximately 60%) of fat oxidation to total heat production. Blood concentrations of free fatty acids, glycerol, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and lactate increased significantly during the 90-min immersion, whereas muscle glycogen sampled from the right quadriceps femoris vastus lateralis decreased (free fatty acids, glycerol, and beta-hydroxybutyrate were higher in women). When the subjects were subgrouped according to similar body fatness and 60 min of immersion (6 women and 5 men), no significant gender differences emerged in DeltaT(re)/Deltat, energy metabolism, and percent fat oxidation. These findings suggest that no gender adjustments are necessary for prediction models of cold response if body fatness and the ratio of body surface area to size are taken into account and that a potential gender advantage with regard to carbohydrate sparing during cold water immersion is not supported.     

A second postcooling afterdrop: more evidence for a convective mechanism.

An attempt was made to demonstrate the importance of increased perfusion of cold tissue in core temperature afterdrop. Five male subjects were cooled twice in water (8 degrees C) for 53-80 min. They were then rewarmed by one of two methods (shivering thermogenesis or treadmill exercise) for another 40-65 min, after which they entered a warm bath (40 degrees C). Esophageal temperature (Tes) as well as thigh and calf muscle temperatures at three depths (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 cm) were measured. Cold water immersion was terminated at Tes varying between 33.0 and 34.5 degrees C. For each subject this temperature was similar in both trials. The initial core temperature afterdrop was 58% greater during exercise (mean +/- SE, 0.65 +/- 0.10 degrees C) than shivering (0.41 +/- 0.06 degrees C) (P < 0.005). Within the first 5 min after subjects entered the warm bath the initial rate of rewarming (previously established during shivering or exercise, approximately 0.07 degrees C/min) decreased. The attenuation was 0.088 +/- 0.03 degrees C/min (P < 0.025) after shivering and 0.062 +/- 0.022 degrees C/min (P < 0.025) after exercise. In 4 of 10 trials (2 after shivering and 2 after exercise) a second afterdrop occurred during this period. We suggest that increased perfusion of cold tissue is one probable mechanism responsible for attenuation or reversal of the initial rewarming rate. These results have important implications for treatment of hypothermia victims, even when treatment commences long after removal from cold water.     

The effect of dynamic exercise on resting cold thermoregulatory responses measured during water immersion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the subsequent post-exercise thresholds for vasoconstriction and shivering measured during water immersion. On 2 separate days, seven subjects (six males and one female) were immersed in water (37.5 degrees C) that was subsequently cooled at a constant rate of approximately 6.5 degrees C x h(-1) until the thresholds for vasoconstriction and shivering were clearly established. Water temperature was then increased to 37.5 degrees C. Subjects remained immersed for approximately 20 min, after which they exited the water, were towel-dried and sat in room air (22 degrees C) until both esophageal temperature and mean skin temperature (Tsk) returned to near-baseline values. Subjects then either performed 15 min of cycle ergometry (at 65% maximal oxygen consumption) followed by 30 min of recovery (Exercise), or remained seated with no exercise for 45 min (Control). Subjects were then cooled again. The core temperature thresholds for both vasoconstriction and shivering increased significantly by 0.2 degrees C Post-Exercise (P < 0.05). Because the Tsk at the onset of vasoconstriction and shivering was different during Pre- and Post-Exercise Cooling, we compensated mathematically for changes in skin temperatures using the established linear cutaneous contribution of skin to the control of vasoconstriction and shivering (20%). The calculated core temperature threshold (at a designated skin temperature of 32.0 degrees C) for vasoconstriction increased significantly from 37.1 (0.3) degrees C to 37.5 ( 0.3) degrees C post-exercise (P < 0.05). Likewise, the shivering threshold increased from 36.2 (0.3) degrees C to 36.5 (0.3) degrees C post-exercise (P < 0.05). In contrast to the post-exercise increase in cold thermal response thresholds, sequential measurements demonstrated a time-dependent similarity in the Pre- and Post-Control thresholds for vasoconstriction and shivering. These data indicate that exercise has a prolonged effect on the post-exercise thresholds for both cold thermoregulatory responses.     

Muscle glycogen utilization during shivering thermogenesis in humans

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the importance of skeletal muscle glycogen as a fuel for shivering thermogenesis in humans during cold-water immersion. Fourteen seminude subjects were immersed to the shoulders in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle and venous blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the immersion. Metabolic rate increased during the immersion to 3.5 +/- 0.3 (SE) times resting values, whereas Tre decreased by 0.9 degrees C to approximately 35.8 degrees C at the end of the immersion. Intramuscular glycogen concentration in the vastus lateralis decreased from 410 +/- 15 to 332 +/- 18 mmol glucose/kg dry muscle, with each subject showing a decrease (P less than 0.001). Plasma volume decreased (P less than 0.001) markedly during the immersion (-24 +/- 1%). After correcting for this decrease, blood lactate and plasma glycerol levels increased by 60 (P less than 0.05) and 38% (P less than 0.01), respectively, whereas plasma glucose levels were reduced by 20% after the immersion (P less than 0.001). The mean expiratory exchange ratio showed a biphasic pattern, increasing initially during the first 30 min of the immersion from 0.80 +/- 0.06 to 0.85 +/- 0.05 (P less than 0.01) and decreasing thereafter toward basal values. The results demonstrate clearly that intramuscular glycogen reserves are used as a metabolic substrate to fuel intensive thermogenic shivering activity of human skeletal muscle.     

Hypercapnia increases core temperature cooling rate during snow burial.

Previous retrospective studies report a core body temperature cooling rate of 3 degrees C/h during avalanche burial. Hypercapnia occurs during avalanche burial secondary to rebreathing expired air, and the effect of hypercapnia on hypothermia during avalanche burial is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the core temperature cooling rate during snow burial under normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions. We measured rectal core body temperature (T(re)) in 12 subjects buried in compacted snow dressed in a lightweight clothing insulation system during two different study burials. In one burial, subjects breathed with a device (AvaLung 2, Black Diamond Equipment) that resulted in hypercapnia over 30-60 min. In a control burial, subjects were buried under identical conditions with a modified breathing device that maintained normocapnia. Mean snow temperature was -2.5 +/- 2.0 degrees C. Burial time was 49 +/- 14 min in the hypercapnic study and 60 min in the normocapnic study (P = 0.02). Rate of decrease in T(re) was greater with hypercapnia (1.2 degrees C/h by multiple regression analysis, 95% confidence limits of 1.1-1.3 degrees C/h) than with normocapnia (0.7 degrees C/h, 95% confidence limit of 0.6-0.8 degrees C/h). In the hypercapnic study, the fraction of inspired carbon dioxide increased from 1.4 +/- 1.0 to 7.0 +/- 1.4%, minute ventilation increased from 15 +/- 7 to 40 +/- 12 l/min, and oxygen saturation decreased from 97 +/- 1 to 90 +/- 6% (P < 0.01). During the normocapnic study, these parameters remained unchanged. In this study, T(re) cooling rate during snow burial was less than previously reported and was increased by hypercapnia. This may have important implications for prehospital treatment of avalanche burial victims.     

Mechanism of afterdrop after cold water immersion

It was hypothesized that if afterdrop is a purely conductive phenomenon, the afterdrop during rewarming should proceed initially at a rate equal to the rate of cooling. Eight male subjects were cooled on three occasions in 22 degrees C water and rewarmed once by each of three procedures: spontaneous shivering, inhalation of heated (45 degrees C) and humidified air, and immersion up to the neck in 40 degrees C water. Deep body temperature was recorded at three sites: esophagus, auditory canal, and rectum. During spontaneous and inhalation rewarming, there were no significant differences between the cooling (final 30 min) and afterdrop (initial 10 min) rates as calculated for each deep body temperature site, thus supporting the hypothesis. During rapid rewarming, the afterdrop rate was significantly greater than during the preceding cooling, suggesting a convective component contributing to the increased rate of fall. The rapid reversal of the afterdrop also indicates that a convective component contributes to the rewarming process as well.     

Muscle glycogen availability and temperature regulation in humans

The effects of intramuscular glycogen availability on human temperature regulation were studied in eight seminude subjects immersed in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Each subject was immersed three times over a 3-wk period. Each immersion followed 2.5 days of a specific dietary and/or exercise regimen designed to elicit low (L), normal (N), or high (H) glycogen levels in large skeletal muscle groups. Muscle glycogen concentration was determined in biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after each immersion. Intramuscular glycogen concentration before the immersion was significantly different among the L, N, and H trials (P less than 0.01), averaging 247 +/- 15, 406 +/- 23, and 548 +/- 42 (SE) mmol glucose units.kg dry muscle-1, respectively. The calculated metabolic heat production during the first 30 min of immersion was significantly lower during L compared with N or H (P less than 0.05). The rate at which Tre decreased was more rapid during the L immersion than either N or H (P less than 0.05), and the time during the immersion at which Tre first began to decrease also appeared sooner during L than N or H. The results suggest that low skeletal muscle glycogen levels are associated with more rapid body cooling during water immersion in humans. Higher than normal muscle glycogen levels, however, do not increase cold tolerance.     

Core temperature "null zone".

An experimental protocol was designed to investigate whether human core temperature is regulated at a "set point" or whether there is a neutral zone between the core thresholds for shivering thermogenesis and sweating. Nine male subjects exercised on an underwater cycle ergometer at a work rate equivalent to 50% of their maximum work rate. Throughout an initial 2-min rest period, the 20-min exercise protocol, and the 100-min recovery period, subjects remained immersed to the chin in water maintained at 28 degrees C. On completion of the exercise, the rate of forehead sweating (Esw) decayed from a mean peak value of 7.7 +/- 4.2 (SD) to 0.6 +/- 0.3 g.m-2.min-1, which corresponds to the rate of passive transpiration, at core temperatures of 37.42 +/- 0.29 and 37.39 +/- 0.48 degrees C, as measured in the esophagus (Tes) and rectum (Tre), respectively. Oxygen uptake (VO2) decreased rapidly from an exercising level of 2.11 +/- 0.25 to 0.46 +/- 0.09 l/min within 4 min of the recovery period. Thereafter, VO2 remained stable for approximately 20 min, eventually increased with progressive cooling of the core region, and was elevated above the median resting values determined between 15 and 20 min at Tes = 36.84 +/- 0.38 degrees C and Tre = 36.80 +/- 0.39 degrees C. These results indicate that the core temperatures at which sweating ceases and shivering commences are significantly different (P less than 0.001) regardless of whether core temperature is measured within the esophagus or rectum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Thermal effects of dorsal head immersion in cold water on nonshivering humans.

Personal floatation devices maintain either a semirecumbent flotation posture with the head and upper chest out of the water or a horizontal flotation posture with the dorsal head and whole body immersed. The contribution of dorsal head and upper chest immersion to core cooling in cold water was isolated when the confounding effect of shivering heat production was inhibited with meperidine (Demerol, 2.5 mg/kg). Six male volunteers were immersed four times for up to 60 min, or until esophageal temperature = 34 degrees C. An insulated hoodless dry suit or two different personal floatation devices were used to create four conditions: 1) body insulated, head out; 2) body insulated, dorsal head immersed; 3) body exposed, head (and upper chest) out; and 4) body exposed, dorsal head (and upper chest) immersed. When the body was insulated, dorsal head immersion did not affect core cooling rate (1.1 degrees C/h) compared with head-out conditions (0.7 degrees C/h). When the body was exposed, however, the rate of core cooling increased by 40% from 3.6 degrees C/h with the head out to 5.0 degrees C/h with the dorsal head and upper chest immersed (P < 0.01). Heat loss from the dorsal head and upper chest was approximately proportional to the extra surface area that was immersed (approximately 10%). The exaggerated core cooling during dorsal head immersion (40% increase) may result from the extra heat loss affecting a smaller thermal core due to intense thermal stimulation of the body and head and resultant peripheral vasoconstriction. Dorsal head and upper chest immersion in cold water increases the rate of core cooling and decreases potential survival time.     

Alcohol and respiratory and body temperature changes during tepid water immersion

Resting subjects were immersed for 30 min in water at 22 and 30 degrees C after drinking alcohol. Total ventilation, end-tidal PCO2, rectal temperature, aural temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, and oxygen consumption were recorded during the experiments. Blood samples taken before the immersion period were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The mean blood alcohol levels were 82.50 +/- 9.93 mg.(100 ml)-1 and 100.6 +/- 12.64 mg (100 ml)-1 for the immersions at 22 and 30 degrees C, respectively. There was no significant change in body temperature measured aurally or rectally, mean surface skin temperature, or heart rate at either water temperature tested. Total expired ventilation was significantly attenuated for the last 15 min of the immersion at 22 degrees C, after alcohol consumption as compared to the ventilation change in water at 22 degrees C without ethanol. This response was not consistently significantly altered during immersion in water at 30 degrees C. It is evident that during a 30-min immersion in tepid water with a high blood alcohol level, body heat loss is not affected but some changes in ventilation do occur.     

Thermal effects of whole head submersion in cold water on nonshivering humans.

This study isolated the effect of whole head submersion in cold water, on surface heat loss and body core cooling, when the confounding effect of shivering heat production was pharmacologically eliminated. Eight healthy male subjects were studied in 17 degrees C water under four conditions: the body was either insulated or uninsulated, with the head either above the water or completely submersed in each body-insulation subcondition. Shivering was abolished with buspirone (30 mg) and meperidine (2.5 mg/kg), and subjects breathed compressed air throughout all trials. Over the first 30 min of immersion, exposure of the head increased core cooling both in the body-insulated conditions (head out: 0.47 +/- 0.2 degrees C, head in: 0.77 +/- 0.2 degrees C; P < 0.05) and the body-exposed conditions (head out: 0.84 +/- 0.2 degrees C and head in: 1.17 +/- 0.5 degrees C; P < 0.02). Submersion of the head (7% of the body surface area) in the body-exposed conditions increased total heat loss by only 10%. In both body-exposed and body-insulated conditions, head submersion increased core cooling rate much more (average of 42%) than it increased total heat loss. This may be explained by a redistribution of blood flow in response to stimulation of thermosensitive and/or trigeminal receptors in the scalp, neck and face, where a given amount of heat loss would have a greater cooling effect on a smaller perfused body mass. In 17 degrees C water, the head does not contribute relatively more than the rest of the body to surface heat loss; however, a cold-induced reduction of perfused body mass may allow this small increase in heat loss to cause a relatively larger cooling of the body core.     

Influence of body temperature on the development of fatigue during prolonged exercise in the heat.

We investigated whether fatigue during prolonged exercise in uncompensable hot environments occurred at the same critical level of hyperthermia when the initial value and the rate of increase in body temperature are altered. To examine the effect of initial body temperature [esophageal temperature (Tes) = 35.9 +/- 0.2, 37.4 +/- 0. 1, or 38.2 +/- 0.1 (SE) degrees C induced by 30 min of water immersion], seven cyclists (maximal O2 uptake = 5.1 +/- 0.1 l/min) performed three randomly assigned bouts of cycle ergometer exercise (60% maximal O2 uptake) in the heat (40 degrees C) until volitional exhaustion. To determine the influence of rate of heat storage (0.10 vs. 0.05 degrees C/min induced by a water-perfused jacket), four cyclists performed two additional exercise bouts, starting with Tes of 37.0 degrees C. Despite different initial temperatures, all subjects fatigued at an identical level of hyperthermia (Tes = 40. 1-40.2 degrees C, muscle temperature = 40.7-40.9 degrees C, skin temperature = 37.0-37.2 degrees C) and cardiovascular strain (heart rate = 196-198 beats/min, cardiac output = 19.9-20.8 l/min). Time to exhaustion was inversely related to the initial body temperature: 63 +/- 3, 46 +/- 3, and 28 +/- 2 min with initial Tes of approximately 36, 37, and 38 degrees C, respectively (all P < 0.05). Similarly, with different rates of heat storage, all subjects reached exhaustion at similar Tes and muscle temperature (40.1-40.3 and 40. 7-40.9 degrees C, respectively), but with significantly different skin temperature (38.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 35.6 +/- 0.2 degrees C during high vs. low rate of heat storage, respectively, P < 0.05). Time to exhaustion was significantly shorter at the high than at the lower rate of heat storage (31 +/- 4 vs. 56 +/- 11 min, respectively, P < 0.05). Increases in heart rate and reductions in stroke volume paralleled the rise in core temperature (36-40 degrees C), with skin blood flow plateauing at Tes of approximately 38 degrees C. These results demonstrate that high internal body temperature per se causes fatigue in trained subjects during prolonged exercise in uncompensable hot environments. Furthermore, time to exhaustion in hot environments is inversely related to the initial temperature and directly related to the rate of heat storage.     

Effect of uniform and non-uniform skin temperature on thermal exchanges in water in humans

We investigated the effect of uniform (UST) and non-uniform (NUST) skin temperature on thermal exchanges during a 3-h water immersion in five male subjects wearing (NUST) or not wearing (UST) a water-perfused garment. UST was achieved by immersing the nude subject in water up to the neck. For each subject, the water temperature was adjusted to the critical temperature ( T(cw), 31.4 +/- 0.9 degrees C) or 3 degrees C below T(cw) ( T(cw) - 3). NUST was achieved by perfusing different segments of the perfused garment with water of different temperatures. The water temperature of the segment was independently adjusted according to the skin temperature distribution in cold air, the mean skin temperature being the same as the UST. At T(cw) and T(cw) - 3, changes in esophageal and mean skin temperatures were identical in UST and NUST conditions, but the skin temperature of the trunk was higher and that of the limb was lower in the NUST condition. Heat production and the overall skin heat flux at T(cw) were identical in the two conditions, but those at T(cw) - 3 were about 25% lower ( P < 0.05) in NUST than in UST conditions. At T(cw) - 3, the overall tissue insulation was 36% higher ( P < 0.05) in NUST than in UST conditions, mainly because of higher limb insulation. Thermogenesis due to shivering was lower by 62% ( P < 0.05) in NUST than in UST. We conclude that the NUST condition increased tissue insulation and suppressed shivering. This suggests that a high skin temperature of the trunk attenuates shivering in cold water and increases the ability to defend body temperature more economically in cold water.     

Individual variability in the peripheral and core interthreshold zones

The purpose of the study was to investigate the degree of subject variability in the peripheral and core temperature thresholds of the onset of shivering and sweating. Nine healthy young male subjects participated in three trials. In the first two trials, wearing only shorts, they were exposed to air temperatures of 5 degrees C and 40 degrees C until the onset of shivering and sweating, respectively. In the second experiment, subjects wore a water perfused suit that was perfused with 25 degrees C water at a rate of 600 cc/min. They exercised on an ergometer at 50% of their maximum work rate for 10-15 min. At the onset of sweating, the exercise was terminated, and they remained seated until the onset of shivering, as reflected in oxygen uptake. In the first two trials, rectal temperature (Tre) was stable, despite displacements in skin temperature (Tsk), whereas in the third trial, Tsk (measured at four sites) was almost constant (30-32 degrees C), and the thermoregulatory responses were initiated due to changes in Tre alone. The results of the first two trials established the peripheral interthreshold zone, whereas the results of the third trial established the core interthreshold zone. The results demonstrated individual variability in the peripheral and core interthreshold zones, a proportional correlation between both zones (r=0.87), and a relatively higher contribution of adiposity in both zones as compared with those of other non-thermal factors such as height, weight, body surface area, surface area-to mass ratio, and the maximum work load.     

Thermoregulatory responses to cold water at different times of day.

This study examined how time of day affects thermoregulation during cold-water immersion (CWI). It was hypothesized that the shivering and vasoconstrictor responses to CWI would differ at 0700 vs. 1500 because of lower initial core temperatures (T(core)) at 0700. Nine men were immersed (20 degrees C, 2 h) at 0700 and 1500 on 2 days. No differences (P > 0.05) between times were observed for metabolic heat production (M, 150 W. m(-2)), heat flow (250 W. m(-2)), mean skin temperature (T(sk), 21 degrees C), and the mean body temperature-change in M (DeltaM) relationship. Rectal temperature (T(re)) was higher (P < 0.05) before (Delta = 0.4 degrees C) and throughout CWI during 1500. The change in T(re) was greater (P < 0. 05) at 1500 (-1.4 degrees C) vs. 0700 (-1.2 degrees C), likely because of the higher T(re)-T(sk) gradient (0.3 degrees C) at 1500. These data indicate that shivering and vasoconstriction are not affected by time of day. These observations raise the possibility that CWI may increase the risk of hypothermia in the early morning because of a lower initial T(core).     

Effect of alcohol on thermal balance of man in cold water.

The effects of alcohol on core cooling rates (rectal and tympanic), skin temperatures, and metabolic rate were determined for 10 subjects rendered hypothermic by immersion for 45 min in 10 degrees C water. Experiments were duplicated with and without a 20-min period of exercise at the beginning of cold water immersion. Measurements were continued during rewarming in a hot bath. With blood alcohol concentrations averaging 82 mg 100 mL-1, core cooling rates and changes in skin temperatures were insignificantly different from controls, even if the exercise period was imposed. Alcohol reduced shivering metabolic rate by an overall mean of 13%, insufficient to affect cooling rate. Alcohol had no effect on metabolic rate during exercise. During rewarming by hot bath, the amount of 'afterdrop' and rate of increase in core temperature were unaffected by alcohol. It was concluded that alcohol in a moderate dosage does not influence the rate of progress into hypothermia or subsequent, efficient rewarming. This emphasizes that the high incidence of alcohol involvement in water-related fatalities is due to alcohol potentiation of accidents rather than any direct effects on cold water survival, although very high doses of alcohol leading to unconsciousness would increase rate of progress into hypothermia.     

Effect of occluded venous return on core temperature during cold water immersion

Recent studies using inanimate and animal models suggest that the afterdrop observed upon rewarming from hypothermia is based entirely on physical laws of heat flow without involvement of the returning cooled blood from the limbs. During the investigation of thermoregulatory responses to cold water immersion (15 degrees C), blood flow to the limbs (minimized by the effects of hydrostatic pressure and vasoconstriction) was occluded in 17 male subjects (age, 29.0 +/- 3.3 yr). Comparisons of rectal (Tre) and esophageal temperature (Tes) responses were made during the 5 min before occlusion, during the 10-min occlusion period, and for 5 min immediately after the release of the cuffs (postocclusion). In the preocclusion phase, Tre and Tes showed similar cooling rates. The occlusion of blood flow to the extremities significantly arrested the cooling of Tes (P less than 0.05) with little effect on Tre. Upon release of the pressure cuffs, the returning extremity blood flow resulted in an increased rate of cooling, that was three times greater at the esophageal site (-0:149 +/- 0.052 vs. -0.050 +/- 0.026 degrees C.min-1). These results suggest that the cooled peripheral circulation, minimized during cold water immersion, may dramatically affect esophageal temperature and the complete neglect of the circulatory component to the afterdrop phenomenon is not warranted.     

Heat balance precedes stabilization of body temperatures during cold water immersion.

Certain previous studies suggest, as hypothesized herein, that heat balance (i.e., when heat loss is matched by heat production) is attained before stabilization of body temperatures during cold exposure. This phenomenon is explained through a theoretical analysis of heat distribution in the body applied to an experiment involving cold water immersion. Six healthy and fit men (mean +/- SD of age = 37.5 +/- 6.5 yr, height = 1.79 +/- 0.07 m, mass = 81.8 +/- 9.5 kg, body fat = 17.3 +/- 4.2%, maximal O2 uptake = 46.9 +/- 5.5 l/min) were immersed in water ranging from 16.4 to 24.1 degrees C for up to 10 h. Core temperature (Tco) underwent an insignificant transient rise during the first hour of immersion, then declined steadily for several hours, although no subject's Tco reached 35 degrees C. Despite the continued decrease in Tco, shivering had reached a steady state of approximately 2 x resting metabolism. Heat debt peaked at 932 +/- 334 kJ after 2 h of immersion, indicating the attainment of heat balance, but unexpectedly proceeded to decline at approximately 48 kJ/h, indicating a recovery of mean body temperature. These observations were rationalized by introducing a third compartment of the body, comprising fat, connective tissue, muscle, and bone, between the core (viscera and vessels) and skin. Temperature change in this "mid region" can account for the incongruity between the body's heat debt and the changes in only the core and skin temperatures. The mid region temperature decreased by 3.7 +/- 1.1 degrees C at maximal heat debt and increased slowly thereafter. The reversal in heat debt might help explain why shivering drive failed to respond to a continued decrease in Tco, as shivering drive might be modulated by changes in body heat content.     

Hot-water treatments for control of Planococcus ficus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on dormant grape cuttings

Hot-water immersions were tested for control of mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret), on dormant grape cuttings used for nursery stock. A range of hot-water temperatures (47-58 degrees C) were evaluated at immersion periods of 2, 5, 10, or 20 min, by using a total of 353,720 mealybugs across all treatments. A 5-min immersion at 51 degrees C is effective in killing > 99% of P. ficus. At or above this immersion period and temperature, there was no difference in mealybug stage mortality. We evaluated a commercial operation, which used a 5-min immersion in each of three water tanks: preheating (30.0 +/- 3 degrees C), hot-water (52.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C), and cooling (23 +/- 3 degrees C). The commercial procedure provided 99.8-100% mealybug control in each of three separate trials.