STUDIES OF SWEATING .3. EXPERIMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FUNCTION OF THE SWEAT DUCTS (A PRELIMINARY REPORT)

[摘要] The application of various cationic and anionic wetting agents and biologically electropositive and electronegative electrolytes to the skin influenced the sweat production in opposite ways. Electropositive agents such as certain cationic wetting agents, lithium thiocyanate, KI and other salts tended to reduce the outpouring of sweat, whereas electronegative agents, such as anionic wetting agents, potassium sulfate and others tended to increase the delivery of sweat to the surface. This effect was noticeable in areas with purely eccrine sweat secretion as well as areas rich in apocrine sweat glands. Special methods used for vital staining at the spiral end-portion of the sweat ducts indicated the presence of a negative electrical charge at the border of the terminal part of the sweat ducts. The hypothesis is submitted that this electro-activity facilitates the movement of the sweat towards skin surface by electro-osmosis. However, this mechanism does not constitute the only manner in which outpouring of sweat is produced.