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Physiological changes during thermoregulation and fever in urethan-anesthetized rats
T J Malkinson1, K E Cooper, W L Veale
1Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The American Journal of Physiology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) induces fever and shivering in rats by affecting body temperature regulation. This response, similar to natural fevers, involves physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Adult male Wistar rats exhibit impaired thermoregulation under anesthesia.
- Body temperature regulation is crucial for physiological homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pyrogenic effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in anesthetized rats.
- To explore the role of PGE1 in fever induction and associated physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized Wistar rats were exposed to varying ambient temperatures.
- Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was administered intracerebroventricularly.
- Body temperature, shivering, and other physiological parameters were monitored.
Main Results:
- Intracerebroventricular PGE1 administration induced fever-like increases in body temperature and shivering.
- Fever magnitude decreased with higher initial body temperatures.
- PGE1 in the anterior hypothalamus also caused dose-dependent fever.
- Fever was associated with increased oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and intracranial pressure.
- Interleukin 1 also induced a dose-dependent rise in body temperature.
Conclusions:
- PGE1 acts as a potent pyrogen in the central nervous system, triggering fever and thermoregulatory responses.
- These findings highlight the role of prostaglandins in mediating fever and fever-associated physiological changes.