Influence of skin temperature on latency and amplitude of skin potential responses in the cat

Abstract

The effect of skin temperature changes on skin potential response (SPR) amplitude and latency was examined in the cat. SPRs were elicited either by stimulating the reticular formation or the distal end of the median nerve. At room temperature, the latency due to the neuroglandular transmission and to the peripheral effector accounts for about half of the total latency of SPR evoked by reticular stimulation. This latency increases to several seconds at low skin temperatures (approximately 10°C), decreases with temperature, and is minimal (300 msec) at high temperatures (over 40°C). SPR amplitude increases with skin temperature, reaches a maximal value (usually around 30°C) and then decreases at higher temperatures. The decrease of latency at higher temperatures confirmes results previously obtained in humans. However, the mechanisms of amplitude decrease for high temperatures remain unclear.