Abstract
This study examined the threshold for thirst perception (TP) using thevisual analogue scale (VAS). Thirst perception (TP) and dryness ofmouth (DM) were studied in normal subjects, (n = 137; 78 males ofheight, 1.72 ± 0.01, age, 23 ± 0.26, body mass index, 21.11 ± 0.29, and59 females of height, 1.65 ± 0.01, age, 21 ± 0.23, body mass index,21.0 ± 0.27). The results showed that (i) TP and DM in males, (1.21 ±0.15 cm and 1.14 ± 0.16cm respectively) and in females, (1.10 ±0.16cm and 1.04 ± 0.17cm respectively) were similar. (ii) Therelationship, Thirst (cm) = 0.75 (plasma arginine vasopressin ± 1.2)exists and has a mean of not thirsty of 1.2cm at the lower end of thescale. (iii) The plasma osmolality of 281mOsm/kg cannot be thethreshold for TP and the plasma osmolality of 285mOsm/kg or284.3mOsm/kg cannot be the threshold for plasma arginine vasopressinsecretion but rather the mean of the lower set point of the scales for TPand plasma arginine vasopressin [PAVP] secretion. (iv) The threshold forTP using the VAS is between 1.50 - 1.575cm markings, and plasmaosmolality of 286.0 - 286.25 mOsm/kg. PAVP of 0.4 – 0.5 pmol/lbeing the sensitivity of the osmoregulatory unit.(Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 39 - 46)Key Words; Thirst perception, Dryness of mouth, plasma osmolality, osmotic threshold, Visual Analogue Scale
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