Our ability to thermoregulate is a key physiological characteristic of humans and all other mammals. Therefore, exploring the physiological mechanisms underlying thermoregulation has been the focus of substantial scientific investigation for a number of years. Studies have ranged from those assessing the ability of humans to tolerate heat and cold stress in occupational, military, and recreatio...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder that disrupts axonal myelin in the central nervous system. Demyelination produces alterations in saltatory conduction, slowed conduction velocity, and a predisposition to conduction block. An estimated 60-80% of MS patients experience temporary worsening of clinical signs and neurological symptoms with heat exposure. Additionally, M...

Field active and laboratory preferred body temperatures and critical thermal limits were measured in six species of Kenyan chameleons: Chamaeleo bitaeniatus, C. dilepis, C. ellioti, C. hohnelii, C. jacksonii, and C. schubotzi. Given the opportunity, all six species are very competent heliothermic thermoregulators. Individuals typically spend the night low in shrubby vegetation with body tempera...

ACCURATE REGULATION OF BODY temperature is essential for optimal function and survival. The elderly are at increased risk of both hypothermia and hyperthermia when exposed to extreme temperatures. Two new investigations show that it does not take extreme temperatures to see differences between the aged and the adult. In this issue of the American Journal of Physiology—Regulatory, Integrative an...

The purpose of this project was to develop a staff nurse-led initiative to implement and evaluate evidence-based thermoregulation care for adult trauma patients. An evidence-based practice protocol was developed and implemented, addressing varying patient needs across the spectrum of hypothermia seen in practice, serving as a guide for improving thermoregulation care in trauma patients. There w...