Temperature effects produced in dogs and monkeys by injections of monoamines and related substances into the third ventricle

Abstract

1. In dogs the effects on rectal temperature of noradrenaline, adrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine were studied following their injection into the third ventricle through a chronically implanted cannula. Tranylcypromine was given also by the intraperitoneal route.2. The hypothermic effect of the catecholamines and the hyperthermic effect of 5-HT previously demonstrated in anaesthetized dogs were obtained also in an unanaesthetized dog, but 5-HT was effective only in doses under 20 mug.3. Tranylcypromine (1 mg) injected into the third ventricle of dogs anaesthetized with pentobarbitone sodium produced shivering and a rise in temperature.4. Tranylcypromine (10 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally caused a rise in temperature in the unanaesthetized dog. For a time shivering and panting, two effects which produce opposite change in temperature, were observed together. When injected shortly before an intraperitoneal injection of an anaesthetizing dose of pentobarbitone sodium, tranylcypromine not only prevented the fall in temperature which is normally produced by the anaesthetic but caused a greater and longer lasting rise than when given alone.5. The intraperitoneal injections of tranylcypromine produced profuse salivation, a peripheral effect which persisted after acute denervation and which was not abolished by atropine or tolazoline.6. In rhesus monkeys anaesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbitone sodium, noradrenaline, adrenaline, 5-HT and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were injected into the cannulated third ventricle. The catecholamines caused a fall in rectal temperature. No evidence was obtained that the fall resulted from a rise in hypothalamic temperature. The injections of 5-HT or of its precursor 5-HTP raised rectal temperature. Monkeys thus respond to the monoamines injected intraventricularly, in the same way as cats and dogs, and unlike rabbits, sheep, goats, oxen and rats.