Central regulation of temperature in cold environments. II. A dynamic model with three temperature inputs

Abstract

A model for the regulation of temperature in cold-stressed animals has been developed using CSMP (a real time program). The model, which centers on the integration of signals by the central nervous system, includes: (a) sensory pathways to the neurocontroller from spinal cord, cutaneous and hypothalamic thermoreceptors; and (b) provision for sorting, comparison and multiplication of inputs. In the model, signals from the central nervous system control effectors for both shivering and nonshivering heat production. An output, hypothalamic temperature, calculated as a function of time, is in a form allowing comparison with experimental data. The effect of fever has been simulated by varying the sensitivities of the hypothalamic and spinal cord receptors, or their set points. Critical experiments have been outlined to test the applicability of this model, as compared with models having only two sensory pathways to a neurocontroller.