Responses of Peripheral Veins of Man to Prolonged and Continuous Cold Exposure

Abstract

The effect of prolonged and continuous (2 wk.) cold (60℉) exposure upon the peripheral veins, peripheral blood flow and venous pressure were studied in five men. The cold environment was preceded by a 2-week control period (80℉) and followed by a 2-week recovery period (80℉). Marked peripheral venous constriction, decrease of peripheral blood flow and increase of venous pressure occurred as initial (within 3 days) responses to cold. All of these values returned to or nearly to control levels during the recovery period. Submitted on October 21, 1957