SYSTEMIC ADMINISTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN-E1 PRODUCES HYPOTHERMIC EFFECTS IN UNANESTHETIZED RATS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 209  (3) , 349-351
Abstract
The effects of i.p. administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on thermoregulatory responses were assessed in unanesthetized rats at ambient temperatures (Ta) of 8, 22 and 29.degree. C. The body temperatures, metabolic rate, respiratory evaporative heat loss and vasomotor activity in response to PGE1 were observed. I.p. PGE1 administration produced dose-dependent hypothermia at Ta of both 8 and 22.degree. C. The PGE1 hypothermia was due to both the decreased metabolic rate and the cutaneous vasodilation. At a Ta of 29.degree. C, i.p. administration of PGE1 produced no changes in rectal temperature, since the thermoregulatory responses were not affected by PGE1 appplication at this Ta. Peripheral administration of PGE1 apparently decreases metabolic heat production and increases heat loss, which leads to hypothermia in rats, in contrast to hyperthermia seen after central administration.

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