Effect of skin temperature on absolute threshold for electrical current

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Abstract
The dependence of tactile sensitivity on skin temperature could be due to a central or a peripheral effect. Maximal cutaneous sensitivity for pressure or mechanical vibration is obtained at about 36 C, with a shift in either direction resulting in an elevation of threshold. In the present study, raising skin temperature of the finger or forearm to as much as 45 C had no effect on the threshold for electrical cutaneous stimulation. It is concluded that the dependence of sensitivity to pressure or mechanical vibration on skin temperature is a peripheral effect. Further, electrical current applied to the intact skin apparently affects nerves directly without requiring transduction by a chemical (or other) process at the receptor. It is suggested that the effect of temperature, with other kinds of cutaneous stimulation, is on chemical substances contained within the receptors. Submitted on July 20, 1961