Impaired increases in skin sympathetic nerve activity contribute to age‐related decrements in reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction
Key result
Older adults exhibited a blunted skin sympathetic nerve activity response to whole-body cooling (+51%) compared to young adults (+184%), contributing to impaired reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction.
Why the study?
Does aging impair skin sympathetic nerve activity and cutaneous adrenergic responsiveness during whole-body cooling?
Population
24 healthy adults, comprising 12 young adults and 12 older adults
Comparison
Whole-body cooling and intradermal graded… vs Young adults vs. older adults
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Blunted SSNA may impair thermoregulation in older adults; leaves open transduction and peripheral vascular roles.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=24)
Structured PICO
Does aging impair skin sympathetic nerve activity and cutaneous adrenergic responsiveness during whole-body cooling?
P
Population
24 healthy adults (12 young, 12 older) evaluated for skin sympathetic nerve activity and cutaneous vascular responses to whole-body cooling and adrenergic stimuli.
E
Exposure
Whole-body cooling (mean skin temperature 30.5°C) and intradermal graded infusions of noradrenaline (10^-12 to 10^-2 M)
C
Comparator
Young adults vs. older adults
O
Outcome
Skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) response to whole-body cooling and cutaneous adrenergic responsivenesssurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 51% vs 184%
Cite This Study
Greaney et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy ageing (n=24). Older age vs. Young adults was evaluated on Skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) response to whole-body cooling. Older adults exhibited a blunted skin sympathetic nerve activity response to whole-body cooling (+51%) compared to young adults (+184%), contributing to impaired reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction.