Flow-volume curves during hand immersion in water at 5 degrees C (the cold pressor test).

Seven healthy subjects immersed a hand for 2 min in cold water at 5 degrees C (the standard cold pressor test) with and without beta-adrenoceptor blockade. Control immersions in warm water were also performed. The maximal and partial flow-volume curves as well as the arterial blood pressure, heart rate and body and hand temperatures were recorded before, during and after the hand immersion. The blood pressure rose significantly during the cold pressor test, but the airflow variables did not change significantly, whether or not propranolol had been given. It is concluded that, even though the standard cold pressor test induces sympathetically-mediated cardiovascular responses, it does not produce a bronchodilatation.