The effect of glycine administration on human response to an acute standardized cold stress.

Abstract

Abstract : Glycine (amino-acetic acid) and other calorigenic, dietary adjuncts have received considerable attention recently and have been reported to modify whole body responses to cold exposure and hypothermia. In addition to any pharmacological action, the potential value of glycine and similar materials lies in their ability to provideADDITIONAL CALORIES TO THE COOLING ORGANISM VIA THE MECHANISM OF SPECIFIC DYNAMIC ACTION. Thirty grams of glycine were administered orally to five volunteer, male subjects who were ubsequently exposed nude to an environment of 10 C. Measurements of rectal and extremity surface temperatures and whole body metabolic rates failed to show any statistically significant effects that could be attributed to the influence of glycine, as compared to gl cose control measurements, throughout a 1-hour cold exposure. At this level of cold stress and drug dosage, glycine could not be seen to affect cold elicited, physiological responses and its values in mitigating human cold exposure is questioned. Reports of glycine effects for more severe cold stresses or during deep hypothermia may possibly be attributed to a more precipitous rate of heat loss, to a greater degree of cooling, or to other factors.