Vasopressin, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and pituitary adrenal responses to acute cold stress in normal humans

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1992 Sep;75(3):750-5. doi: 10.1210/jcem.75.3.1517364.

Abstract

Acute cold stress is a consistent stimulus to ACTH secretion in rats yet inhibits arginine vasopressin (AVP) in both rats and humans. We have studied the interrelationships of AVP, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal response to acute cold stress in normal humans. Six healthy male volunteers deprived of food and fluid for 6 h, and minimally clothed, were studied in the early afternoon. After a 30-min period at 22 C, subjects were exposed to cold stress (4 C for 30 min), followed by a 30-min equilibration period at 22 C. By the end of the period of cold exposure there was a fall in plasma volume of 7.8 +/- 1.4% (mean +/- SEM), a significant increase in both systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0001) and in plasma norepinephrine level (P = 0.0001), but no change in plasma epinephrine or in plasma ANF. Plasma AVP levels fell significantly (P less than 0.01) to reach a nadir at 5-10 min after cold exposure before returning to baseline levels. A significant fall in plasma cortisol levels occurred during the first 15 min of the baseline period and remained stable thereafter. No significant changes in plasma corticotrophin-releasing factor or ACTH occurred. These results suggest that cold inhibition of AVP release, presumably via afferent baroreceptor pathways, may act to reduce the response of the corticotrophs to a potentially noxious stimulus. Inhibition of AVP and/or ACTH during acute cold exposure are not dependent upon an increase in plasma ANF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Arginine Vasopressin / blood*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cold Temperature*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*
  • Potassium / blood
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Reference Values
  • Renin / blood
  • Sodium / blood
  • Stress, Physiological / blood
  • Stress, Physiological / etiology
  • Stress, Physiological / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Arginine Vasopressin
  • Prolactin
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Sodium
  • Renin
  • Potassium