Peripheral and central components in the hyperthermic effect of desipramine in reserpinized rats

Abstract

Pithed rats show a decrease of body temperature which is not affected by reserpine, cocaine or desipramine. Noradrenaline decreases the rate of fall of body temperature and this effect is enhanced by pretreatment with cocaine or desipramine. Reserpine with desipramine or with cocaine also produces a decreased rate of fall of body temperature. But if reserpine is given 18 hr before pithing, desipramine is without effect although noradrenaline and 2,4-dinitrophenol produce a calorigenic response. The hyperthermic effect of desipramine in reserpinized rats is also decreased by spinal transection. Lumbar transection is less effective than cervical transection. It is concluded that the integrity of the central nervous system is required for the development of the hyperthermic effect of desipramine in previously reserpinized rats.