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.
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.