Effect of elevation of body temperature on the electroretinogram of the rat

The effect of elevation of body temperature on the electroretinogram of the rat was investigated in the dark-adapted state. A systematic decline in latency was noted as the body temperature was raised stepwise from 37 to 41 degrees C, averaging 1.9 ms degrees C-1. Maintenance of animals at a body temperature of 41 degrees C or greater led initially to increases in latency followed by decreases in amplitude. Hence, the electroretinogram shows similar changes to those reported for other sensory evoked potentials; it may therefore be a good candidate for use as a simpler model of the effects of hyperthermia on neural tissue.