PROSTAGLANDINS AND TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN THE RHESUS-MONKEY

The role of prostaglandins in nonfebrile temperature regulation in the rheusus monkey (M. mulatta) was investigated. Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, produced only a slight (< 0.8.degree. C) fall in core temperature when administered i.v. (2-4 mg/kg) to warm-, cold- and nonacclimated afebrile rhesus monkeys at ambient temperatures of 18, 27 and 35.degree. C. The fall in the core temperature was independent of the state of temperature acclimation and was brought about by nonregulated means. Cold acclimation in the rhesus monkey was not associated with any change in hypothalamic sensitivity to the hyperthermic effects of exogenous prostaglandin E1. Hypothalamic prostaglandins apparently are not involved in normal temperature regulation of the monkey or in the process of temperature acclimation.