Influences of local and global temperature stimuli on the Lewis-reaction.

Oscillatory changes of temperatures of the human fingers in cold air (Lewis-reaction) are investigated under central and local influences. After heat load of the body, the Lewis-reaction is suppressed, no matter which environmental temperature of the hand is chosen. Decrease of finger temperature during oscillatory behaviour takes about twice as much time as increase. A dependence of the time course on the chosen environmental temperature is not evident. Mean level of temperature oscillation rises with increased environmental temperatures of body and hand, whereas the amplitude of oscillation increases with growing environmental tre of the hand. After cold load of the body the Lewis-reaction is suppressed in some individuals. Interpretation of the Lewis-reaction and interaction of global and local requirements are discussed.