Heat intake and hypothalamic temperature during behavioral temperature regulation.

Abstract

Rats and squirrel monkeys bar pressing for infrared heat in a cold enviroment obtained fewer reinforcements as ambient temperature and magnitude of reinforcement increased. Rate of obtaining reinforcement by the monkey was in proportion to the heating effect of reinforcement so that a constant heat intake was maintained. The rat obtained more heat at high than at low magnitudes of reinforcement. Hypothalamic temperature of the rat varied over a 2. 5[degree]C. range under varied conditions, whereas the range was 1[degree] C. for the monkey. The relation between central and peripheral temperature changes and behavior is discussed.