The effect of capsaïcin on temperature regulation of the rat.
1. Subcutaneous injection of capsaïcin (6-11 mg, or 21-66 mg cumulative), permanently reduced the capacity of rats to withstand a hot environment, as described by Jancsó-Gábor et al. (1970). 2. The treated rats thermoregulatory behaviour was not different from that of control rats, both in hot and cold environments. 3. Saliva secretion was decreased in a hot environment, and the weight of the submaxillary glands was reduced in capsaïcinized rats. 4. It is concluded that hyperthermia present in treated rats when subjected to a warm environment is not due to a disruption of sensu stricto temperature regulation, but rather to a decreased salivary secretion. Whether this decrease has a central or a peripheral origin is not known.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D002211:Capsaicin