PurposeChanges in mean skin temperature (T-sk) have been shown to modify the maximum rate of sweat ion reabsorption. This study aims to extend this knowledge by investigating if modifications could also be caused by local T-sk.MethodsThe influence of local T-sk on the sweat gland maximum ion reabsorption rates was investigated in ten healthy volunteers (three female and seven male; 20.81.2years, 60.47.7kg, 169.4 +/- 10.4cm) during passive heating (water-perfused suit and lower leg water immersion). In two separate trials, in a randomized order, one forearm was always manipulated to 33 degrees C (Neutral), whilst the other was manipulated to either 30 degrees C (Cool) or 36 degrees C (Warm) using water-perfused patches. Oesophageal temperature (T-es), forearm T-sk, sweat rate (SR), galvanic skin conductance (GSC) and salivary aldosterone concentrations were measured. The sweat gland maximum ion reabsorption rates were identified using the SR threshold for an increasing GSC.ResultsThermal [T-es and body temperature (T-b)] and non-thermal responses (aldosterone) were similar across all conditions (p>0.05). A temperature-dependent response for the sweat gland maximum ion reabsorption rates was evident between 30 degrees C (0.18 +/- 0.10mg/cm(2)/min) and 36 degrees C (0.28 +/- 0.14mg/cm(2)/min, d=0.88, p<0.05), but not for 33 degrees C (0.22 +/- 0.12mg/cm(2)/min), d=0.44 and d=0.36, p>0.05.Conclusion The data indicate that small variations in local T-sk may not affect the sweat gland maximum ion reabsorption rates but when the local T-sk increases by >6 degrees C, ion reabsorption rates also increase.