Continuous observation of single sweat gland activity

Abstract

A small ion-free solution-perfusion chamber has been developed to continuously observe the single sweat gland activity (SSGA) at the skin surface by conductivity measurement. The chamber has a very small open space of 0.2 mm/sup 2/ at the bottom and has a transparent view field. Ag-electrodes were installed inside the chamber and by perfusing purified water through the chamber at a constant flow rate conductivity was measured before and just after washed out sweat. Single sweat pores were visualized by starch/iodine method and magnifying lens. SSGA was observed by attaching the chamber on single sweat pores at palm and finger tip skin surface when the subjects were sitting resting position and doing hand (non-experimental) grasping with a dynamometer. Different types of continuous SSGA were observed from sweat pores.