Neural control of sweat secretion: a review. (25th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Y.; Converse, C.; Lyons, M.C.; Hsu, W.H.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 178:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 1246
• Page End: 1256
• Publication Date: 2018-04-25
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15808
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Humans have 4 million exocrine sweat glands, which can be classified into two types: eccrine and apocrine glands. Sweat secretion, a constitutive feature, is directly involved in thermoregulation and metabolism, and is regulated by both the central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Objectives: To explore how sweat secretion is controlled by both the CNS and the ANS and the mechanisms behind the neural control of sweat secretion. Methods: We conducted a literature search on PubMed for reports in English from 1 January 1950 to 31 December 2016. Results and Conclusions: Acetylcholine acts as a potent stimulator for sweat secretion, which is released by sympathetic nerves. β‐adrenoceptors are found in adipocytes as well as apocrine glands, and these receptors may mediate lipid secretion from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. The activation of β‐adrenoceptors could increase sweat secretion through opening of Ca 2+ channels to elevate intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. Ca 2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate play a part in the secretion of lipids and proteins from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. The translocation of aquaporin 5 plays an important role in sweat secretion from eccrine glands. Dysfunction of the ANS, especially the sympathetic nervous system, may cause sweating disorders, such as hypohidrosis and hyperhidrosis. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? There are two main kinds of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. The physiological functions of sweat glands are to maintain body temperature, release waste products and respond to emotional stress. Sweat secretion is regulated by both central nervous system and autonomic nervous system, through neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACh) and noradrenaline (NA). Some sweating disorders may be caused by neural anomaly. What does this study add? ACh, which is released by sympathetic nerves, acts as a potent stimulator for sweat secretion. We explain why sympathetic nerves release ACh to stimulate sweat secretion. β‐adrenoceptors are found in adipocytes as well as apocrine glands. These receptors may mediate lipid secretion from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. Activation of β‐adrenoceptors could increase sweat secretion through opening of Ca 2+ channels to elevate intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. Ca 2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate play a part in the secretion of lipids and proteins from apocrine glands for sweat secretion. Translocation of aquaporin 5 plays an important role in sweat secretion from eccrine glands. Linked Comment: Morris‐Jones. Br J Dermatol 2018; 178 :1233–1234 . Plain language summary available online