Respiratory Influence on Skin Potential and Sweating

Abstract

Summary

The D-C potential at the surface of human skin has been measured in sweating and nonsweating subjects. In non-sweating skin a steady D-C potential was present which changed to a rapidly fluctuating pattern when the skin began to sweat actively. These fluctuating potentials occurred synchronously in the skin of both arms. The potential changes were independent of local hemodynamic events and could be abolished by atropine; which suggests they are a manifestation of sweat gland activity. An influence of breathing on skin potential and the rate of sweating was also found. In response to deep breathing, skin potential transiently became more positive while sweat output increased. These respiration-induced changes were not caused by a transient hypocapnia and could be observed only in skin that was already sweating actively.