Altering temperature in a mammalian body

Abstract

The present application relates to systems and methods for altering temperature in a mammalian body. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise core body temperature of a mammalian subject. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise the temperature of glabrous skin of a mammalian subject.

1 - 53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . A system for warming or maintaining a warmed core body temperature of a mammal subject having an induced and maintained condition of vasodilation in its glabrous tissue, comprising:
 a warming device to apply a warming stimulus localized to the glabrous tissue, to skin overlying the glabrous tissue, or both, during the maintenance of the vasodilation condition therein the glabrous tissue, wherein the localized warming application heats blood in the vasodilated vasculature of the glabrous tissue, said heated blood circulating to the subject's body core to cause warming or maintenance of the subject's core body temperature; and   wherein the system does not comprise a mechanism for applying force by application of pressure to the glabrous tissue of the subject sufficient to induce or maintain increased blood flow in the glabrous tissue.   
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54 , further comprising a heating device for localized heating of the subject's peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein the peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue is located in the cervical or lumbar spine region of the subject.