Thermographic evaluation of the lower critical temperature in weanling horses

Accommodating weanling horses in loose housing (sleeping hall with deep-litter bed and paddock) environments in winter at northern latitudes exposes the nonhuman animals to low ambient temperatures. We determined the heat loss of nine weanling horses in a cold environment by infrared thermography to assess their thermoregulatory capacity. The rate of heat loss was 73.5 to 98.7 W/m2 from the neck and 69.9 to 94.3 W/m2 from the trunk. The heat loss was higher at -16 degrees C than at 0 degrees C and -9 degrees C (p相似文献   

Relationship between local temperature and heat transfer through the hand and wrist

The heat uptake that resulted from immersing the hand and wrist into a water-filled calorimeter maintained at temperatures between 37-40 degrees C was measured under standard conditions in a group of eight subjects of either sex. The rate of heat transfer (W) increased exponentially with temperature and was a function of hand or body size and age, but not sex. The heat transfer rate normalized to hand mass (W.kg-1) was determined by temperature and age: best-fit mean values (and 95% confidence limits of the population) were 6.0 W.kg-1 (3.2-11.2 W.kg-1) at an immersion temperature of 37 degrees C and 25.4 W.kg-1 (13.7-47.0 W.kg-1) at 40 degrees C. The application of these results to limits on specific energy absorption rate induced in the hands and wrists by radiofrequency dielectric heat sealer welders is discussed.     

Hypohydration and exercise: effects of heat acclimation, gender, and environment

This study examined the effects of heat acclimation and subject gender on treadmill exercise in comfortable (20 degrees C, 40% rh), hot-dry (49 degrees C, 20% rh), and hot-wet (35 degrees C, 79% rh) environments while subjects were hypo- or euhydrated. Six male and six female subjects, matched for maximal aerobic power and percent body fat, completed two exercise tests in each environment both before and after a 10-day heat acclimation program. One exercise test was completed during euhydration and one during hypohydration (-5.0% from baseline body weight). In general, no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences were noted between men and women at the completion of exercise for rectal temperature (Tre), mean skin temperature (Tsk), or heat rate (HR) during any of the experimental conditions. Hypohydration generally increased Tre and HR values and decreased sweat rate values while not altering Tsk values. In the hypohydration experiments, heat acclimation significantly reduced Tre (0.19 degrees C) and HR (13 beats X min-1) values in the comfortable environment, but only HR values were reduced in hot-dry (21 beats X min-1) and hot-wet (21 beats X min-1) environments. The present findings indicated that men and women respond in a physiologically similar manner to hypohydration during exercise. They also indicated that for hypohydrated subjects heat acclimation decreased thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain in a comfortable environment, but only cardiovascular strain decreased in hot environments.     

Gender differences in cardiovascular and metabolic responses to cold and exercise

This study was conducted because of the paucity of information concerning gender differences in the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to cold stress. Lightly clad men (n = 8) and women (n = 8) were tested in 21 and 5 degrees C environments during a 20-min rest, followed by 20 min each of 50, 100, and 150 W of exercise. At 21 degrees C there was no gender differences in VO2 or cardiac output. Cold lowered skin temperature more in women than in men, but women demonstrated no differences in heart rate, stroke volume, or VO2 at 5 and 21 degrees C. The women's noradrenaline levels in the cold were higher than comparable 21 degrees C data at rest and 50 W and increased with work intensity in both tests. In contrast, men had a lower heart rate, higher stroke volume, and higher VO2 throughout the 5 degrees C treatment compared with 21 degrees C. The men's noradrenaline response to 5 degrees C was similar to that of women at rest and 50 W, but the level subsequently declined at 100 and 150 W. Thus, the women do not show a heart rate-stroke volume shift in either resting or exercising states in cold environments. Furthermore, the data fail to support that either skin cooling or changes in noradrenaline cause the bradycardia and enhanced stroke volume seen in men.     

Temperature regulation in adult quail (Colinus virginianus) during acute thermal stress

1. Evaporative heat loss, O2 consumption, CO2 production, and internal body temperature were measured in unanesthetized, unrestrained bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) at specific ambient temperatures (Ta). 2. No significant change in body temperature occurred at any Ta tested, but metabolic heat production (H) increased from 42.17 W/m2 at Ta 35 degrees C to 102.89 W/m2 at Ta 10 degrees C. 3. Evaporative heat loss (E) increased approximately two-fold from Ta 10-35 degrees C, with E/H increasing exponentially over the same temperature range. 4. No significant change in thermal insulation occurred from Ta 10-30 degrees C. 5. Combined convective and radiative heat transfer for the bobwhite was 2.96 W/m2 X C from Ta 10-35 degrees C.     

Effect of pre-cooling, with and without thigh cooling, on strain and endurance exercise performance in the heat

Body cooling before exercise (i.e. pre-cooling) reduces physiological strain in humans during endurance exercise in temperate and warm environments, usually improving performance. This study examined the effectiveness of pre-cooling humans by ice-vest and cold (3 degrees C) air, with (LC) and without (LW) leg cooling, in reducing heat strain and improving endurance performance in the heat (35 degrees C, 60% RH). Nine habitually-active males completed three trials, involving pre-cooling (LC and LW) or no pre-cooling (CON: 34 degrees C air) before 35-min cycle exercise: 20 min at approximately 65% VO2peak then a 15-min work-performance trial. At exercise onset, mean core (Tc, from oesophagus and rectum) and skin temperatures, forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate (HR), and ratings of exertion, body temperature and thermal discomfort were lower in LW and LC than CON (P<0.05). They remained lower at 20 min [e.g. Tc: CON 38.4+/-0.2 (+/-S.E.), LW 37.9+/-0.1, and LC 37.8+/-0.1 degrees C; HR: 177+/-3, 163+/-3 and 167+/-3 b.p.m.), except that FBF was equivalent (P=0.10) between CON (15.5+/-1.6) and LW (13.6+/-1.0 ml.100 ml tissue(-1) x min(-1)). Subsequent power output was higher in LW (2.95+/-0.24) and LC (2.91+/-0.25) than in CON (2.52+/-0.28 W kg(-1), P=0.00, N=8), yet final Tc remained lower. Pre-cooling by ice-vest and cold air effectively reduced physiological and psychophysical strain and improved endurance performance in the heat, irrespective of whether thighs were warmed or cooled.     

Insulation and thermal balance of fasting harp and grey seal pups.

1. Harp and grey seal pups were examined during the post-weaning period to quantify their thermoregulatory abilities and thermal limits. 2. Deep body temperatures of harp seals (37.8 +/- 0.8 degrees C) were not significantly different from those of grey seals (38.9 +/- 0.4 degrees C). 3. As blubber depth declined during the fast, temperature gradients extended increasingly deeper into the muscle layer potentially decreasing heat loss. 4. Blubber conductivity (approximately 0.18 W/m/degrees C) did not vary regionally within an animal, or between animals or species. 5. Calculated lethal cold limits in air were between -85.4 degrees C and -116.1 degrees C, suggesting that fasting, weaned pups can easily cope with temperatures they would normally experience.     

Thermal responses of unclothed men exposed to both cold temperatures and high altitudes.

Six resting men were exposed to three temperatures (15.5, 21, 26.5 degrees C) for 120 min at three altitudes (sea level, 2,500 m, 5,000 m). A 60-min sea-level control at the scheduled temperature preceded the nine altitude episodes. Comparison of the base-line results at any one temperature showed no differences between rectal temperatures (Tre) or mean weighted skin temperatures (Tsk). After 120 min, Tre and Tsk not only depended on ambient temperature but also altitude. The initial rate of fall in Tre increased with altitude and equilibrium occurred earlier. At 15.5 degrees C, Tre was 0.3 degrees C lower at 5,000 m and 0.2 degrees C lower at 2,500 m than at sea level. Tsk was almost 2 degrees C higher at 15.5 degrees C at 5,000 m and 1 degrees C higher at 2,500 m than at sea level. Similar, smaller differences were observed at 21 degrees C. Mean weighted body temperature showed no change with altitude, but, since the gradient between core and shell was reduced, a shift of blood toward the periphery is implied.     

Effects of dietary sodium on body and muscle potassium content during heat acclimation

It has been suggested that renal conversion of sodium (Na+) during training in hot environments results in potassium (K+) deficiencies. This investigation examined the influence of two levels of dietary Na+ intake (399 vs 98 mmol X d-1) on intramuscular, urinary, sweat, and whole body K+ homeostasis. Nine unacclimated, untrained males underwent heat acclimation during two 8 day dietary-exercise regimens (40.1 +/- 0.1 degrees C, 23.5 +/- 0.4% RH). Both diets resulted in depressed urinary K+ excretion. Sweat K+ and muscle K+ concentrations were not altered by diets or acclimation. The whole body stores of Na+ increased 31.1% (+916.8 mmol) during the high Na+ diet and decreased 7.8% (-230.4 mmol) during the low Na+ diet; whole body stores of K+ increased 4.1% (+137.6 mmol) during the high Na+ diet and increased 3.4% (+113.6 mmol) during the low Na+ diet. This dietary-acclimation protocol did not result in whole-body or intramuscular K+ deficits and offers no evidence to support previous claims that dietary sodium levels affect K+ balance.     

Effect of locomotor respiratory coupling on respiratory evaporative heat loss in the sheep.

During galloping, many animals display 1:1 coupling of breaths and strides. Locomotor respiratory coupling (LRC) may limit respiratory evaporative heat loss (REHL) by constraining respiratory frequency (f). Five sheep were exercised twice each, according to a five-step protocol: 5 min at the walk, 5 min at the trot (trot1), 10 min at the gallop, 5 min at the trot (trot2), and 5 min at the walk. Rectal temperature (T(re)), stride frequency, f, REHL, and arterial CO(2) tension and pH were measured at each step. Tidal volume (VT) was calculated. LRC was observed only during galloping. The coupling ratio remained at 1:1 while VT increased continuously during galloping, causing REHL to increase from 2.9 +/- 0.2 (SE) W/kg at the end of trot1 to a peak of 5.3 +/- 0.3 W/kg. T(re) rose from 39.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C preexercise to 40.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C at the end of galloping. At the gallop-trot2 transition, VT fell and f rose, despite a continued rise in T(re). Arterial CO(2) tension fell from 36.5 +/- 1.1 Torr preexercise to 31.8 +/- 1.4 Torr by the end of trot1 and then further to 21.5 +/- 1.2 Torr by the end of galloping, resulting in alkalosis. In conclusion, LRC did not prevent increases in REHL in sheep because VT increased. The increased VT caused hypocapnia and presumably elevated the cost of breathing.     

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).     

Ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide at low and high levels of oxygen are elevated after episodic hypoxia in men compared with women.

We hypothesized that the acute ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in the presence of low and high levels of oxygen would increase to a greater extent in men compared with women after exposure to episodic hypoxia. Eleven healthy men and women of similar race, age, and body mass index completed a series of rebreathing trials before and after exposure to eight 4-min episodes of hypoxia. During the rebreathing trials, subjects initially hyperventilated to reduce the end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO2) below 25 Torr. Subjects then rebreathed from a bag containing a normocapnic (42 Torr), low (50 Torr), or high oxygen gas mixture (150 Torr). During the trials, PetCO2 increased while the selected level of oxygen was maintained. The point at which minute ventilation began to rise in a linear fashion as PetCO2 increased was considered to be the carbon dioxide set point. The ventilatory response below and above this point was determined. The results showed that the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide above the set point was increased in men compared with women before exposure to episodic hypoxia, independent of the oxygen level that was maintained during the rebreathing trials (50 Torr: men, 5.19 +/- 0.82 vs. women, 4.70 +/- 0.77 l x min(-1) x Torr(-1); 150 Torr: men, 4.33 +/- 1.15 vs. women, 3.21 +/- 0.58 l x min(-1) x Torr(-1)). Moreover, relative to baseline measures, the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in the presence of low and high oxygen levels increased to a greater extent in men compared with women after exposure to episodic hypoxia (50 Torr: men, 9.52 +/- 1.40 vs. women, 5.97 +/- 0.71 l x min(-1) x Torr(-1); 150 Torr: men, 5.73 +/- 0.81 vs. women, 3.83 +/- 0.56 l x min(-1) x Torr(-1)). Thus we conclude that enhancement of the acute ventilatory response to carbon dioxide after episodic hypoxia is sex dependent.     

Efficiency of thermoregulatory system in man under endogenous and exogenous heat loads

The aim of the present work was to estimate the dynamics and efficiency (eta sw) of sweating, and thermoregulatory index (TI) defined as a ratio of heat loaded the body to the heat removed to the environment. In the first part of this work 22 men exercised with an intensity of 50% VO2 max. in 22 degrees C, 16 men were exposed to 40 degrees C at rest, and 9 men exercised at the level of 50% VO2 max. at 30 degrees C. In the second part, 8 men and 8 women were exposed to 40 degrees C before and after dehydration (1% of body mass, approximately), 8 men exercised at 23 degrees C before and after hyperhydration (35 ml/kg of body mass) and 22 men exercised before and after 3 months of endurance training. Body heat balance, rectal (Tre), tympanic (Tty) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures were measured in all subjects. TI was greater during simultaneous (0.84) than during separate endo- (0.76, p less than 0.01) or exogenous (0.67, p less than 0.001) heat loads. The respective values of eta sw were 0.82; 0.57 (p less than 0.001) and 0.78 (p less than 0.001). No difference in TI was found between men and women. Dynamics of sweating was greater in men but efficiency of sweating was greater in women. Dehydration before heat exposure decreased both dynamics of sweating and TI but it increased eta sw in men. As a result Tre was greater in dehydrated (0.45 degrees C) than in normally hydrated men (0.31 degrees C, p less than 0.002). Dehydration did not affect the measured variables in women. Hyperhydration of exercising men caused an increase in TI from 0.72 to 0.82 (p less than 0.05) and in eta sw from 0.57 to 0.81 (p less than 0.01). In men exercising after endurance training the onset of sweating was shortened from 4.0 to 0.9 min (p less than 0.002). TI increased from 0.76 to 0.89 (p less than 0.001), eta sw increased from 0.57 to 0.74 (p less than 0.02) whereas Tty was lower (1.10 and 0.58 degrees C, p less than 0.001, respectively). It is concluded that dynamics and efficiency of sweating, as well as the thermoregulatory index depend on the type of heat load. Men and women tolerate dry heat equally well. Dehydration changes thermoregulatory function in men but not in women. Hyperhydration before exercise and particularly endurance training increase tolerance of endogenous heat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Thermodynamic dependence of DNA/DNA and DNA/RNA hybridization reactions on temperature and ionic strength

The thermodynamics of 5'-ATGCTGATGC-3' binding to its complementary DNA and RNA strands was determined in sodium phosphate buffer under varying conditions of temperature and salt concentration from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The Gibbs free energy change, DeltaG degrees of the DNA hybridization reactions increased by about 6 kJ mol(-1) from 20 degrees C to 37 degrees C and exhibited heat capacity changes of -1.42 +/- 0.09 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) for DNA/DNA and -0.87 +/- 0.05 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) for DNA/RNA. Values of DeltaG degrees decreased non-linearly by 3.5 kJ mol(-1) at 25 degrees C and 6.0 kJ mol(-1) at 37 degrees C with increase in the log of the sodium chloride concentration from 0.10 M to 1.0 M. A near-linear relationship was observed, however, between DeltaG degrees and the activity coefficient of the water component of the salt solutions. The thermodynamic parameters of the hybridization reaction along with the heat capacity changes were combined with thermodynamic contributions from the stacking to unstacking transitions of the single-stranded oligonucleotides from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, resulting in good agreement with extrapolation of the free energy changes to 37 degrees C from the melting transition at 56 degrees C.     

Effect of temperature on the development and viability of Gryon gallardoi (Brethes) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) parasitizing Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) eggs.

The development and viability of Gryon gallardoi (Brethes) (Hym.: Scelionidae) in Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hem.: Coreidae) eggs were studied under four temperatures: 15, 20, 25, and 30 +/- 1 degree C, with a 12-h photophase. No parasitoid developed at 15 degrees C. Otherwise, viability reached 98.8% without varying significantly over the temperature range tested. The duration of development for males and females was inversely proportional to the temperature increase, varying respectively from 46.2 +/- 0.13 and 47.1 +/- 0.11 days (20 degrees C) to 13.3 +/- 0.07 and 13.4 +/- 0.06 days (30 degrees C). Males developed faster than females. The values estimated for the lowest thermic thresholds of development and the thermic constants were 15.5 degrees C and 185.19 DD for males and 15.6 degrees C and 192.31 DD for females, respectively. Given the average weather conditions in Porto Alegre, RS (30 degrees 01' S and 51 degrees 13' W), Brazil, G. gallardoi could annually produce 8.54 and 8.07 generations of males and females, respectively. The low rates of parasitism observed in the field during the first generation of its host may be due to the small number of G. gallardoi generations in this period.     

Cerebrovascular responsiveness to steady-state changes in end-tidal CO2 during passive heat stress.

This study tested the hypothesis that passive heat stress alters cerebrovascular responsiveness to steady-state changes in end-tidal CO(2) (Pet(CO(2))). Nine healthy subjects (4 men and 5 women), each dressed in a water-perfused suit, underwent normoxic hypocapnic hyperventilation (decrease Pet(CO(2)) approximately 20 Torr) and normoxic hypercapnic (increase in Pet(CO(2)) approximately 9 Torr) challenges under normothermic and passive heat stress conditions. The slope of the relationship between calculated cerebrovascular conductance (CBVC; middle cerebral artery blood velocity/mean arterial blood pressure) and Pet(CO(2)) was used to evaluate cerebrovascular CO(2) responsiveness. Passive heat stress increased core temperature (1.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C, P < 0.001) and reduced middle cerebral artery blood velocity by 8 +/- 8 cm/s (P = 0.01), reduced CBVC by 0.09 +/- 0.09 CBVC units (P = 0.02), and decreased Pet(CO(2)) by 3 +/- 4 Torr (P = 0.07), while mean arterial blood pressure was well maintained (P = 0.36). The slope of the CBVC-Pet(CO(2)) relationship to the hypocapnic challenge was not different between normothermia and heat stress conditions (0.009 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.009 +/- 0.004 CBVC units/Torr, P = 0.63). Similarly, in response to the hypercapnic challenge, the slope of the CBVC-Pet(CO(2)) relationship was not different between normothermia and heat stress conditions (0.028 +/- 0.020 vs. 0.023 +/- 0.008 CBVC units/Torr, P = 0.31). These results indicate that cerebrovascular CO(2) responsiveness, to the prescribed steady-state changes in Pet(CO(2)), is unchanged during passive heat stress.     

Air movement and heat loss from sheep. III. Components of insulation in a controlled environment

The rate of sensible heat loss from a Clun Forest ewe was studied at several fleece depths in a temperature-controlled chamber. A simple resistance analogue was used to describe the heat flow from different body regions. Heat loss from the trunk depends largely on the mean fleece depth l. The fleece resistance was about 1.5 s cm-1 per centimetre depth. Heat transfer through the fleece was accounted for by molecular conduction, thermal radiation and free convection. The fleece conductivity -kb attributed to free convection depends on the mean temperature difference (-Tst---Tct) across the fleece according to the relation -kb = 8.0 (-Tst---Tct)0.53. Estimates of the sensible heat flux from the trunk at environmental temperatures, Ta, between 0 and 30 degrees C range from about 8 W (l = 7.0 cm, Ta = 30 degrees C) to about 160 W (l = 0.1 cm, Ta = 0 degrees C). In contrast, the sensible heat loss from the legs depends mainly on the local tissue resistance. For environmental temperatures between 0 and 30 degrees C, the calculated tissue resistance for this region of the body varied from about 8 to 1 s cm-1. The corresponding heat loss from the legs was between 10 and 20 W, compared with between 3 and 7 W from the head. The fastest heat loss from the legs occurred at an environmental temperature of about 12 degrees C. Although the proportion of the heat loss from the extremities depends on environmental temperature, the total heat loss (sensible or latent) was closely related to the mean skin temperature of the trunk.     

Changes in thermal insulation during underwater exercise in Korean female wet-suit divers

The present work was undertaken to examine the effect of wet suits on the pattern of heat exchange during immersion in cold water. Four Korean women divers wearing wet suits were immersed to the neck in water of critical temperature (Tcw) while resting for 3 h or exercising (2-3 met on a bicycle ergometer) for 2 h. During immersion both rectal (Tre) and skin temperatures and O2 consumption (VO2) were measured, from which heat production (M = 4.83 VO2), skin heat loss (Hsk = 0.92 M +/- heat store change based on delta Tre), and thermal insulation were calculated. The average Tcw of the subjects with wet suits was 16.5 +/- 1.2 degrees C (SE), which was 12.3 degrees C lower than that of the same subjects with swim suits (28.8 +/- 0.4 degrees C). During the 3rd h of immersion, Tre and mean skin temperatures (Tsk) averaged 37.3 +/- 0.1 and 28.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C, and skin heat loss per unit surface area 42.3 +/- 2.66 kcal X m-2 X h. The calculated body insulation [Ibody = Tre - Tsk/Hsk] and the total shell insulation [Itotal = (Tre - TW)/Hsk] were 0.23 +/- 0.02 and 0.5 +/- 0.04 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h, respectively. During immersion exercise, both Itotal and Ibody declined exponentially as the exercise intensity increased. Surprisingly, the insulation due to wet suit (Isuit = Itotal - Ibody) also decreased with exercise intensity, from 0.28 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h at rest to 0.12 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h at exercise levels of 2-3 met.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of metabolic rate on thermal responses at different air velocities in -10 degrees C

The effects of exercise intensity on thermoregulatory responses in cold (-10 degrees C) in a 0.2 (still air, NoWi), 1.0 (Wi1), and 5.0 (Wi5) m x s(-1) wind were studied. Eight young and healthy men, preconditioned in thermoneutral (+20 degrees C) environment for 60 min, walked for 60 min on the treadmill at 2.8 km/h with different combinations of wind and exercise intensity. Exercise level was adjusted by changing the inclination of the treadmill between 0 degrees (lower exercise intensity, metabolic rate 124 W x m(-2), LE) and 6 degrees (higher exercise intensity, metabolic rate 195 W x m(-2), HE). Due to exercise increased heat production and circulatory adjustments, the rectal temperature (T(re)), mean skin temperature (Tsk) and mean body temperature (Tb) were significantly higher at the end of HE in comparison to LE in NoWi and Wi1, and T(re) and Tb also in Wi5. Tsk and Tb were significantly decreased by 5.0 m x s(-1) wind in comparison to NoWi and Wi1. The higher exercise intensity was intense enough to diminish peripheral vasoconstriction and consequently the finger skin temperature was significantly higher at the end of HE in comparison to LE in NoWi and Wi1. Mean heat flux from the skin was unaffected by the exercise intensity. At LE oxygen consumption (VO2) was significantly higher in Wi5 than NoWi and Wi1. Heart rate was unaffected by the wind speed. The results suggest that, with studied exercise intensities, produced without changes in walking speed, the metabolic rate is not so important that it should be taken into consideration in the calculation of wind chill index.     

Exercise- and cold-induced changes in plasma beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin in men and women

The plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) response of men, eumenorrheic women, and amenorrheic women (n = 6) to 1 h of rest or to a bicycle ergometer test [20 min at 30% maximum O2 uptake (VO2max), 20 min at 60% VO2max, and at 90% VO2max to exhaustion] was studied in both normal (22 degrees C) and cold (5 degrees C) environments. beta-EP and beta-LPH was measured by radioimmunoassay in venous samples collected every 20 min during rest or after each exercise bout. Exhaustive exercise at ambient temperature (Ta) 22 degrees C induced significant increases in plasma beta-EP and beta-LPH in all subjects as did work at 60% VO2max in amenorrheic and eumenorrheic women. During work at Ta 5 degrees C, the relative increase in beta-EP and beta-LPH was suppressed in eumenorrheic women and completely prevented in amenorrheic women. Although significant lowering of beta-EP and beta-LPH was observed in men and eumenorrheic women during rest at 5 degrees C, amenorrheic women maintained precold exposure levels. These findings suggest that plasma beta-EP and beta-LPH may reflect a thermoregulatory response to heat load. There appears to be a sexual dimorphism in exercise- and cold-induced release of beta-EP and beta-LPH and amenorrhea may be accompanied by alterations in these responses.