Dynamics of Skin Microcirculation in Humans
Abstract
The human cutaneous microcirculation has so far been studied by rather crude methods, such as plethysmography and 133Xn clearance. New sophisticated and noninvasive techniques are now available, with which the microcirculation of the skin can be continuously studied and measured for hours. With two such methods, i.e., Laser-Doppler flowmetry and dynamic capillaroscopy, fast dynamic fluctuations of the microcirculation can be followed. Under resting conditions, the total skin flow of a small area (1-2 mm2) varies consistently with time. These variations are caused by the arterial pulse, but also by active vasomotion with a frequency of about 4-8 cycles/min. These fluctuations can also be seen in single skin capillaries, but with a somewhat faster frequency: 6-10 cycles/min. The reaction of the cutaneous microcirculation to provocation tests, such as postocclusive reactive hyperemia response and venous occlusion (50 mm Hg), can also be studied. The time to peak during postocclusive reactive hyperemia is very consistent. In response to venous congestion, capillary flow rate falls drastically, whereas Laser-Doppler flow is much less dramatically reduced. These discrepancies suggest that the Laser-Doppler flowmeter records blood flow in skin vessels in addition to the superficial, nutritional capillaries. The dynamic pattern of the skin microcirculation is altered in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive arterial disease.
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Once the skin is exposed to and takes on an environmental temperature of ~35°C, it dramatically loses its heat-insulating properties and allows for much more effective heat transfer to the environment.
“However, it dramatically loses its heat-insulating properties and allows for a much more effective heat transfer to the environment once it is exposed to, and takes on, an environmental temperature of ~35°C [Fig. 2, 6, 29].”
From Sleep, vigilance, and thermosensitivity (2012) · cites this paper as [29]
In humans, the environmental temperature to which the skin is exposed strongly determines the volume of blood flowing through the skin vasculature and thus the efficiency of exchanging heat from the body to the environment.
“In humans, the environmental temperature that the skin is exposed to strongly determines the volume of blood flowing through the skin vasculature, and thus the efficiency of exchanging heat from the body to the environment.”
From Sleep, vigilance, and thermosensitivity (2012) · cites this paper as [29]
The skin is a relatively good insulator, keeping heat within the body up to an environmental temperature of about 33°C.
“The skin is a relatively good insulator, keeping the heat within the body up to an environmental temperature of about 33°C.”
From Sleep, vigilance, and thermosensitivity (2012) · cites this paper as [29]
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- Authors
- Fagrell, B.
- Affiliations
- Karolinska Institutet (SE)
- Corresponding author
- Fagrell, B.
- Venue
- Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Published
- 1985
- Volume
- 7
- Pages
- S53-S58
- ISSN
- 0160-2446 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2075079620
- Cited by
- 83
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2013: 4
- FWCI
- 2.95
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Blood properties and coagulation
- Keywords
- skin microcirculation, laser Doppler flowmetry, vasomotion, arterial pulse, post-occlusive reactive hyperemia, venous occlusion, venous congestion, capillary flow rate, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, noninvasive blood flow measurement
- MeSH terms
- Blood Flow Velocity, Blood Pressure, Heart, Humans, Microcirculation, Regional Blood Flow, Skin, Ultrasonography
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