EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS AND INTRA-VENTRICULAR PROSTAGLANDIN-E1 ON THERMOREGULATORY RESPONSES IN RABBITS

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  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 204  (1) , 39-45
Abstract
The thermal responses produced by both systemic and central administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) at the 3 different ambient temperatures (T1) of 2, 22 and 32.degree. C were measured to assess the possible involvement of PGE1 in temperature regulation. The body temperatures, metabolic rate, respiratory evaporative heat loss and vasomotor activity in response to PGE1 were measured. I.v. administration of PGE1 produced dose-dependent hypothermia at Ta of 2 and 22.degree. C. The PGE1 hypothermia was due to cutaneous vasodilation. At a T1 of 32.degree. C, intravenous PGE1 produced no changes in rectal temperature and ear blood flow. The direct injection of PGE1 into the 3rd ventricle produced dose-dependent hyperthermia. At a Ta of 22.degree. C, PGE1 fever was due to decreased heat loss along with a small increase in heat production. In the cold, PGE1 fever was due to increased heat production while in the heat, heat losses were decreased. Elevating PGE1 levels in the periphery caused a hypothermia, while elevating PGE1 levels in the central nervous system caused a hyperthermia at Ta''s of both 2 and 22.degree. C.