Effects of changing levels of glucocorticosteroids on heat exposure in rabbit.
Rabbits exposed for one hour to a temperature of 40degrees Cand 35-37% humidity showed elevated plasma osmolality and pH. Most of the animals were not able to withstand the heat. Dexamethasone-treated rabbits under the same conditions withstood the heat better and their plasma pH and osmolality remained constant. Metopirone-treated rabbits withstood the heat and showed a rise in plasma osmolality and a slight change in plasma pH. The highest rise in rectal temperature was observed in the metopirone-treated rabbits. Only the untreated animals were unable to regain pre-exposure rectal temperature. The results suggest that high levels of glucocorticosteroids enhance neurogenic and metabolic mechanisms which have protective functions during acute exposure to heat.
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008797:Metyrapone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011817:Rabbits; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
D003907:Dexamethasone; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D008797:Metyrapone