ICElab-pilot
Cold exposures are prevalent among Norwegian workers and therefore it is important to study. About 13 % of all Norwegian workers report a daily exposure to the cold for > 25 % of the working-time. Furthermore, in the construction industry 20 % of the workers report cold exposures for > 75 % of the work-day. However, real measurements in the working community are scarce.
Exposures to the cold have great influence on the body. It affects locally, near the body surfaces that are exposed (e.g. hands, lungs), as well as systemically, affecting the whole organism. Cold exposure may affect the somatic sensory system, and motoric and cognitive function. The autonomic nervous system is heavily involved in adaptive responses, but cold may also induce damage set in motion by pathophysiological processes. There is a shortage of knowledge surrounding cold exposures and health issues.
The aim of this experiment is to establish methodology that will be used to map effects of cold exposures on the somatic sensory system; elucidate links between cold exposure and manifestations of aberrant thermal and mechanical perceptions. Application of this research will be used to enhance health in humans.
Mice will be monitored using behavioral tests before and after exposures to different ambient temperatures in order to provoke non-harmful, possibly healthful, responses within the physiological range of adaptations. Effects of pharmacologically induced acute hypersensitivity towards low ambient temperature and local inflammation will be investigated.
This is a pilot experiment where 400 C57BL/6 mice will be used to establish different behavioral methodologies at our institute.
The aims of this experiment may not be accomplished using alternative methods, the number of mice are a minimum required, and methods have been and will be refined to avoid pain, fear and lasting injuries.
Exposures to the cold have great influence on the body. It affects locally, near the body surfaces that are exposed (e.g. hands, lungs), as well as systemically, affecting the whole organism. Cold exposure may affect the somatic sensory system, and motoric and cognitive function. The autonomic nervous system is heavily involved in adaptive responses, but cold may also induce damage set in motion by pathophysiological processes. There is a shortage of knowledge surrounding cold exposures and health issues.
The aim of this experiment is to establish methodology that will be used to map effects of cold exposures on the somatic sensory system; elucidate links between cold exposure and manifestations of aberrant thermal and mechanical perceptions. Application of this research will be used to enhance health in humans.
Mice will be monitored using behavioral tests before and after exposures to different ambient temperatures in order to provoke non-harmful, possibly healthful, responses within the physiological range of adaptations. Effects of pharmacologically induced acute hypersensitivity towards low ambient temperature and local inflammation will be investigated.
This is a pilot experiment where 400 C57BL/6 mice will be used to establish different behavioral methodologies at our institute.
The aims of this experiment may not be accomplished using alternative methods, the number of mice are a minimum required, and methods have been and will be refined to avoid pain, fear and lasting injuries.