MadSci Network: Medicine
Query:

Re: What is the mechinism behind diaphoresis as it relates to shock?

Date: Mon Feb 19 12:40:25 2001
Posted By: William M. Rich, MD faculty,Univ. Med. Ctr
Area of science: Medicine
ID: 977520656.Me
Message:

John,

Diaphoresis means profuse sweating. A person in shock due to lack of blood 
volume appears pale, cold and clammy with cold wet skin. This is due to 
the response of the sympathetic nervous system. Blood flow is directed 
away from non-vital organs such as the skin leading to palor and cold 
skin. Epinephrine released by the sympathetic nervous system causes some 
sweating, but usually not profuse sweating.

My old physiology text says that sweat glands are innervated by sympathetic
nerves only and have no parasympathetic input.

Here are two references, both text books. I doubt that they are available
online:
Goodman & Gilman, "The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics", McGraw Hill
1996, p.105
Moschella and Hurley, "Dermatology", W.B.Saunders Company, 1985, p.1342

Bill




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