The Influence of Cold Stress on Catecholamine Excretion and Oxygen Uptake of Normal Persons

Abstract

The catecholamine excretion was investigated in 22 normal nude subjects who stayed for 24 hours in a warm environment (+ 28 °C) and for 72 hours in a cold environment (+ 15 °C). The excretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline was greatly increased when the subjects were in the cold environment. At the same time increased oxygen uptake was observed. This indicates that the catecholamines play an important part in the regulation of the heat balance. The importance of this is discussed with special regard to the severely injured or burnt patient.