The interaction between cutaneous and spinal therman inputs in the control of oxygen consumption in the rat

1. The effect of thermal stimulation of the spinal cord on the rate of oxygen consumption was studied in five unanaesthetized rats during exposure to various ambient temperatures. 2. In a warm environment, cooling the spinal cord had no effect on the rate of oxygen consumption but in thermoneutral and cold environments the rate of oxygen consumption increased proportionally to the intensity of spinal cooling. Heating the spinal cord decreased the level of oxygen consumption and, if intense enough, suppressed the thermoregulatory increase in metabolic rate. 3. It is concluded that, in the control of oxygen consumption in the rat, the afferent signals from thermal sensors in the spinal cord and skin are added.