The catecholamine mechanisms of prostaglandin E1-induced hypothermia in rats

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Abstract
Intraperitoneal administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) produced a hypothermia in rats at room temperature (22°C). The hypothermia in response to PGE1 was due to cutaneous vasodilatation and decreased metabolic heat production. Depletion of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine and p-chlorophenylalanine) did not alter the PGE1-induced hypothermia. However, depletion of brain catecholamines (with 6-hydroxydopamine) and blockade of central catecholaminergic receptors (with phentolamine and propranolol) both greatly reduced the PGE1-induced hypothermia. The data indicate that PGE1 lowers body temperature in rats by acting on the central catecholaminergic systems.