In order to clarify the role of cold on the cutaneous microcirculation in vibration syndrome, groups of rabbits vibrated at 4 degrees and room temperature served as the subjects of this study. A cold provocation test, capillary microscopy, and laser-Doppler flowmetry were used to evaluate the microcirculations of the test rabbits. The results indicated that vibration-induced impairment of the microcirculation was more prominent in the 4 degrees vibration group than in the room temperature group. The severities of the microcirculatory disturbances were dose-effect correlated. Vibration induced not only functional disturbances but also structural destruction of the capillaries. Furthermore cold temperatures enhanced these abnormalities of the blood vessels.