Local heating induces vascular and metabolic adjustments as a result of increased muscle tissue perfusion and delivery of oxygen and regulatory substances to the heated area(s). In addition to these responses, which are dependent on elevated flow and supply of regulatory substances, oxygen and nutrients, increased local temperature can also induce intracellular responses directly.
One such molecular response to passive heating is increased heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs protect cells from damage during stress with the intention of maintaining/improving cell function; this has led to HSPs being classified as a “molecular chaperones”.
The purpose of this experiment is to understand how nutritional/pharmacological manipulations of HSPs during passive heating can alter the molecular pathways underlying vascular and metabolic adjustments and adaptation to thermal interventions.
Related Research Outputs
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Chiesa ST, Trangmar SJ, Kalsi K, Rakobowchuk M, Banker DS, Lotlikar MD, Ali L & González-Alonso J (2015). Local temperature-sensitive mechanisms are important mediators of limb tissue hyperemia in the heat-stressed human at rest and during small muscle mass exercise. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 309, H369-H380.