Autonomic Nervous System and Adrenal Response to Cold in Man at Antarctica

Abstract Objective.—To evaluate the role of the autonomic nervous system and adrenal system in acclimatization to cold in tropical men during short or prolonged sojourns at Antarctica. Methods.—The study was carried out on volunteers of the 18th winter over team (WOT) and 19th summer team (ST) of an Indian Antarctic Expedition. The ST members were evaluated at Delhi; during voyage; and on days 7, 30, and 60 of their stay at Antarctica. Identical studies were performed in WOT members who had stayed at Antarctica for 14 months. The parameters examined included heart rate, blood pressure, oral temperature, index finger skin temperature, heart rate variability, urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine, and salivary cortisol. Results.—The resting heart rate and blood pressure in ST members significantly increased (P < .05) on days 7 and 30 of their stay at Antarctica and returned to baseline Delhi values by day 60. The index finger temperature declined (P < .05) on day 7 at Antarctica and remained at lower level...