[Amino acid administration counteracts hypothermia during anesthesia]

General anesthesia induces hypothermia due to decreased metabolic rate and impaired thermoregulation. Adverse effects of hypothermia are common. Many warming devices are in use to prevent heat loss, but little attention has been paid to stimulating the body's own heat generation. NIT, nutrient-induced thermogenesis, signifies the concept that all nutrients raise energy expenditure. The greatest thermic effect is ascribed to amino acids and proteins, 30-40%. During anesthesia the thermogenic effect of i.v. amino acids was increased. The results support the existence of an inhibitory action normally exerted by central thermosensors in order to prevent hyperthermia. During anesthesia, central thermosensors are impaired, and hence amino acid thermogenesis is exaggerated, which may prevent hypothermia.