GABA-induced hypothermia in rats: involvement of serotonergic and cholinergic mechanisms

The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on body temperature of restrained rats has been studied. GABA (250-1000 mg/kg i.p.) caused a dose-dependent fall in BT of restrained rats at an ambient temperature of 18-22 degrees C. The GABA-induced hypothermic response was attenuated by pretreatment with hexamethonium, p-chlorophenylalanine, methysergide, neostigmine and atropine (% MPE values: 27, 35, 51, 64 and 72 respectively). Pretreatment with methysergide and atropine was more potent than hexamethonium and methysergide in inhibiting the GABA-induced hypothermia (% MPE = 68 and 47 respectively). The antagonism by neostigmine of GABA-induced hypothermia was attenuated by pretreatment with hexamethonium (7.5 mg/kg). Yohimbine and chlorimipramine potentiated GABA hypothermia (% MPE = -82 and -8 respectively). The data indicate that GABA-induced hypothermia may be mediated by serotonin and acetylcholine release. Muscarinic receptors may play an important role in the effect of GABA. The results support the hypothesis that the hypothermia induced by GABA is modulated by nicotinic receptors.