Altered mechanisms of thermoregulatory vasoconstriction in aged human skin

Human exposure to cold stimulates cutaneous vasoconstriction by activating both sympathetic reflex and locally mediated pathways. Older humans are vulnerable to hypothermia because primary aging impairs thermoregulatory cutaneous vasoconstriction. This article highlights recent findings discussing h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Exercise and sport sciences reviews Vol. 36; no. 3; pp. 122 - 127
Main Authors:	Thompson-Torgerson, Caitlin S, Holowatz, Lacy A, Kenney, W Larry
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-07-2008
Subjects:	Adaptation, Physiological - physiology Aged Aging - physiology Body Temperature Regulation - physiology Cold Temperature Humans Middle Aged Skin - blood supply Skin Physiological Phenomena Vasoconstriction - physiology
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Human exposure to cold stimulates cutaneous vasoconstriction by activating both sympathetic reflex and locally mediated pathways. Older humans are vulnerable to hypothermia because primary aging impairs thermoregulatory cutaneous vasoconstriction. This article highlights recent findings discussing how age-related decrements in sympathetic neurotransmission contribute directly to thermoregulatory impairment, whereas changes in local cold-induced intracellular signaling suggest a more generalized age-associated vascular dysfunction.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-1 content type line 23 ObjectType-Article-1 ObjectType-Feature-2
ISSN:	0091-6331 1538-3008
DOI:	10.1097/jes.0b013e31817bfd47