Second sheet σ pole and the threshold enhancement of the spectral function in the scalar-isoscalar meson sector

The scalar-isoscalar propagator of the effective linear $\sigma$ model of meson dynamics is investigated with the help of an expansion in the number of the Goldstone bosons. A generic scenario is suggested for the temperature and density driven evolution of its pole in the second Riemann sheet. An extended temperature range, correlated with characteristic pole locations, is found where the phenomenon of threshold enhancement takes place in the corresponding spectral function.