Immersion diuresis
Encyclopedia
Immersion diuresis is a type of diuresis
caused by immersion of the body in water (or equivalent liquid). It is mainly caused by lower temperature and by pressure.
The temperature component is caused by water drawing heat away from the body and causing vasoconstriction
of the cutaneous blood vessel
s within the body to conserve heat. The body detects an increase in the blood pressure
and inhibits the release of vasopressin
, causing an increase in the production of urine
.
The pressure component is caused by the hydrostatic pressure of the water directly increasing blood pressure. Its significance is indicated by the fact that the temperature of the water doesn't substantially affect the rate of diuresis. Partial immersion of only the limbs does not cause increased urination. Thus, the hand in warm water trick (immersing the hand of a sleeping person in water in order to make him/her urinate) has no support from the mechanism of immersion diuresis. On the other hand, sitting up to the neck in a pool for a few hours, clearly increases the excretion of water, salts, and urea.
Diuresis
Diuresis may refer to:* Urine production, as an aspect of fluid balance* Excessive urine production - see polyuria* Immersion diuresis...
caused by immersion of the body in water (or equivalent liquid). It is mainly caused by lower temperature and by pressure.
The temperature component is caused by water drawing heat away from the body and causing vasoconstriction
Vasoconstriction
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels, particularly the large arteries, small arterioles and veins. The process is the opposite of vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. The process is particularly important in...
of the cutaneous blood vessel
Blood vessel
The blood vessels are the part of the circulatory system that transports blood throughout the body. There are three major types of blood vessels: the arteries, which carry the blood away from the heart; the capillaries, which enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and...
s within the body to conserve heat. The body detects an increase in the blood pressure
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. When used without further specification, "blood pressure" usually refers to the arterial pressure of the systemic circulation. During each heartbeat, BP varies...
and inhibits the release of vasopressin
Vasopressin
Arginine vasopressin , also known as vasopressin, argipressin or antidiuretic hormone , is a neurohypophysial hormone found in most mammals, including humans. Vasopressin is a peptide hormone that controls the reabsorption of molecules in the tubules of the kidneys by affecting the tissue's...
, causing an increase in the production of urine
Urine
Urine is a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body that is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Cellular metabolism generates numerous by-products, many rich in nitrogen, that require elimination from the bloodstream...
.
The pressure component is caused by the hydrostatic pressure of the water directly increasing blood pressure. Its significance is indicated by the fact that the temperature of the water doesn't substantially affect the rate of diuresis. Partial immersion of only the limbs does not cause increased urination. Thus, the hand in warm water trick (immersing the hand of a sleeping person in water in order to make him/her urinate) has no support from the mechanism of immersion diuresis. On the other hand, sitting up to the neck in a pool for a few hours, clearly increases the excretion of water, salts, and urea.