Thermal changes observed before and after J.-L. Etienne's journey to the North Pole. Is central nervous system temperature preserved in hypothermia?

• Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology Vol. 58; no. 6; pp. 646 - 651
• Main Authors: Bittel, J H, Livecchi-Gonnot, G H, Hanniquet, A M, Poulain, C, Etienne, J L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-04-1989
• Subjects: Acclimatization; Arctic Regions; Body Temperature; Body Temperature Regulation; Cold Temperature; Humans; Hypothermia - physiopathology; Kinetics; Male; Skin Temperature; Arctic Regions
• ISSN: 0301-5548; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00418512

The thermoregulatory responses of a French doctor, Jean-Louis Etienne, were examined in a standard cold test before and after his journey to the North Pole, to investigate whether general and/or local cold adaptation had occurred. The two tests were carried out in a climatic chamber for 2 h at rest (dry bulb temperature, 1 degree C; relative humidity, 40%; wind speed, 0.8 m.s-1). After his journey, Etienne showed a general hypothermic-hypometabolic adaptation, i.e. a decrease in rectal temperature (Tre) and metabolic heat production (M), and an increased local skin temperature of the extremities. Between the two tests, a change occurred in the relationship between tympanic temperature (Tty) and M. During the post-journey cold test, Tty [as representative of the central nervous system (CNS) temperature] increased while the decrease in Tre was accelerated, probably due to a redistribution of blood volume towards the CNS. Such a mechanism would protect the central core with special reference to the CNS.