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Hypothalamic catecholamines and tolerance for severe cold in ethanol-treated guinea-pigs
British Journal of Pharmacology
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Ethanol consumption impairs guinea pig cold tolerance by altering hypothalamic catecholamines. This study investigated ethanol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Ethanol affects thermoregulation.
- Hypothalamic catecholamines play a role in cold response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of ethanol on hypothalamic catecholamines and cold tolerance in guinea pigs.
- To investigate the relationship between ethanol, catecholamines, and physiological responses to cold.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were administered ethanol (2g/kg) and exposed to room temperature (20°C) or severe cold (-20°C).
- Hypothalamic catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline) were measured.
- Rectal temperature, serum glucose, triacylglycerols, FFAs, and tissue glycogen were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ethanol increased hypothalamic noradrenaline and adrenaline at 20°C, reducing rectal temperature.
- In cold conditions, ethanol-treated guinea pigs showed higher hypothalamic noradrenaline and a greater drop in rectal temperature compared to controls.
- Cold exposure affected serum FFA, muscle glycogen, and serum glucose, but no significant differences were observed between groups at -20°C.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol may diminish cold tolerance in guinea pigs, potentially due to its effects on hypothalamic catecholamines.
- Hypothalamic catecholamine alterations are implicated in ethanol's impact on thermoregulation during cold exposure.