Sweat gland function In the red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

JOHNSON, K. G, G. M. O. MALOIY, AND J BLIGH. Sweat gland function in the red deer (Cmus elaphus). Am. J. Physiol. 223(3): 604- 607. 1972.-Sweating has been studied in two male red deer Exposure to 20/16 C (DB/WB) or 40/26 C T, elicited smail, intermittent sweat discharges occurring synchronously over the trunk but only a low or negligible rate of continuous sweating. During 2-3 hr at 45/28 eTa, animals reached a stable Tre, with respiratory frequencies of 200/min or more and rate~ of cutaneous moisture evaporation slightly more than could be attributed to passive water vapor diffusion. Intravenous injections of adrenaline (0.2!-Ig•kg-I body wt or more) elicited dose-dependent discharges of sweat from the trunk. Intravenous noradrenaline was less effective as a stimulus to sweating, and isoprenaline was ineffective. Intravenous infusions of adrenaline (8.3-33.3 ng' kg-I. sec-I) elicited initial large discharges of sweat which declined while the infusions were maintained. Adrenaline-induced discharges of sweat were largely blocked by phenoxybenzamine but not by propranolol. Antler "velvet" did not discharge sweat nor contain sweat glands. The sweat glands in the trunk skin of red deer are functional, and sweating probably contributes to evaporative cooling during exposure to high T a.)