Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 50, Issue 6 1248-1254, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
Prostaglandins and temperature regulation in the rhesus monkey
C. C. Barney and R. S. Elizondo
The role of prostaglandins in nonfebrile temperature regulation in the
rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was investigated, Indomethacin, a potent
inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, produced only a slight (less than 0.8
degrees C) fall in core temperature when administered intravenously (2-4
mg/kg) to warm-, cold-, and nonacclimated afebrile rhesus monkeys at
ambient temperatures of 18, 27, and 33 degrees C. The fall in the core
temperature was independent of the state of temperature acclimation and
was brought about by nonregulated means. In addition, cold acclimation in
the rhesus monkey was not associated with any change in hypothalamic
sensitivity to the hyperthermic effects of exogenous prostaglandin E1. The
results indicate that hypothalamic prostaglandins are not involved in
normal temperature regulation of the monkey or in the process of
temperature acclimation.
