Effect of lipid solvents on cutaneous moisture loss.

Application of various lipid solvents and dimethyl sulphoxide to the skin of cattle, sheep, eland and African buffalo exposed to an air temperature of 20 degrees C caused an increase in cutaneous moisture loss. The effect did not occur after exposure to an air temperature of 40 degrees C or after adrenaline administration. Blockage of sweating by either bethanidine or phenoxybenzamine did not affect the response. Camel, donkey, dog and man showed no increase in cutaneous moisture loss after lipid solvent application to the skin. It is concluded that lipid solvents directly stimulate the secretory cells of the sweat glands of members of the family Bovidae and that this is not due to the release of transmitter substance nor to stimulation of adrenergic receptors, but is due to direct stimulation of the sweat glands themselves.