Bombesin produces hypothermia in hypophysectomized rats

Intracerebroventricular administration of bombesin, a naturally-occurring peptide, produces hypothermia in the rat. To determine whether a pituitary-dependent step is necessary for this effect, the thermoregulatory response was followed in hypophysectomized and intact rats maintained at room temperature. Significant hypothermia was produced in both experimental groups. This study supports an extra-pituitary mechanism for bombesin-induced hypothermia.