Biochemical Basis of Disturbances caused by Thermal Stress in the Central Nervous System of Man

Abstract

INVESTIGATIONS on men subjected to thermal stress showed characteristic changes in behaviour as well as disturbances in higher nervous activity. Thermal stress at first causes increased excitability of the central nervous system, the subjects showing an augmented mobility, a vivid interest in their environment and a marked loquacity. Later, this condition undergoes a change and the subjects fall into a state of drowsiness (without, however, any tendency to sleep) and apathy¹. Measurements of the conditioned reflex-² and serial reaction-time³ revealed changes of these values under the influence of environmental high temperature.