9 - Hybrid Dehydrations: Thermal Stress and Exercise

Summary

Thermolytic responses are required in either high ambient temperatures, when conductive heat loss is low, or during states of increased heat production such as during exercise. Most of the thermolytic responses involve fluid loss, including panting (i.e., tachypnea) and evaporative cooling from skin moistened by sweating or saliva spreading. The relative contribution of these mechanisms is species dependent. In all cases, the principal systemic change produced by the fluid loss is hyperosmolarity, although hypovolemia can also be considerable. Humans and animals usually do not drink sufficient water to replace the lost fluid, resulting in a state of hypohydration. This can be partially mitigated by repeated exposure (i.e., adapation) or by providing electrolytes to drink. Sustained hypohydration and/or elevated core temperature produces loss of physical performance and, in the extreme, can be lethal. Available evidence siuggests that the OVLT and/or MnPO play important roles in detection of heat stress and execution of the thermolytic responses.