SWEAT GLAND RESPONSES TO SYMPATHETIC STIMULATION STUDIED BY THE GALVANIC SKIN REFLEX METHOD

Abstract

A single induced shock applied to the sympathetic chain (L2 and L3) of cats caused a galvanic current to be given off by the large central pad of the hind foot. This response which was monophasic had an avg. latent period of 0.6 and a duration of 5 secs. The threshold for "make" currents was much higher than that for "break" currents. With larger currents the amplitude of the "make" response finally surpassed that for the break." Induced shocks at a rate of 136 to 375/min. or 2-6 sec. sufficed to obtain complete tetanization of the sweat glands, as indicated by the galvanic responses.