The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scrotal cooling on rectal temperature in man. Pilot studies suggested that immersing the scrotum in a 30°C water bath increased rectal temperature, but immersing the scrotum in a 0°C water bath did not. Six healthy young men immersed their scrotums in a 35°C water bath for 11 min followed by 21 min at 30°C. Rectal temperature rose by 0.38 ± 0.04°C (P < 0.01) in response to the 30°C water bath. Repetition of the study by immersing the hands instead of the scrotum in the water bath had no effect on rectal temperature. The scrotum appears to play a role in human temperature regulation.
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