title: Role of beta-endorphin in the control of body temperature in the rabbit.
abstract: There is evidence of release of the opioid peptide beta-endorphin (beta-E) in the hypothalamus during development of fever and stress-induced hyperthermia. In the unanesthetized rabbit, microinjection of beta-E in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (POAH) results in peripheral vasoconstriction, inhibition of evaporative heat loss, and a prolonged elevation of body temperature. These reactions are magnified with increases in ambient temperature. Injections of beta-E nearly abolish vasodilation to back heating and also postural enhancement of heat dissipation ( sprawling , limb extension) in a hot environment. beta-E has also been found to reduce the thermal sensitivity of single POAH neurons to ambient heating. However, POAH beta-E injections do not alter metabolic rate at ambient temperatures from 2 to 27 degrees C, and to this extent beta-E-induced hyperthermia is distinct from fever. It is suggested that beta-E reduces sensitivity of POAH neurons to high ambient temperature and that this reduction leads to increased peripheral vasoconstriction, inhibition of evaporative heat loss, and modification of behavioral thermoregulation resulting in a regulated-type elevation in body temperature. A general neural model is proposed to explain the thermoregulatory effects of beta-E in the rabbit.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D007032:Hypothalamus, Anterior / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D011301:Preoptic Area / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin