Temperature as a dependent variable in the study of cholinergic mechanisms

Abstract

Dilsaver, Steven C. and Norman F. Alessi: Temperature as a Dependent Variable in the Study of Cholinergic Mechanisms. Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat. 1988, 12 : 1–32. 1. 1. Change in core temperature over time can be used as a dependent variable when studying the effects of manipulations on neurotransmitter systems. This article focuses on the measurement of core temperature as a strategy for detecting changes in the status of cholinergic systems. 2. 2. Cholinergic neurons participate in the process of thermoregulation and interventions affecting them alter the thermal response to cholinomimetics. For example, chronic treatment with amitriptyline, chronic swim stress and inescapable footshock supersensitize rats to the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine. 3. 3. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the pathophysiologies of tricyclic antidepressant withdrawal phenomena and stress involve supersensitivity of muscarinic mechanisms. 4. 4. Uses of thermoregulation paradigms for investigating the actions of lithium ion, electroconvulsive shock and substances of abuse on muscarinic mechanisms are discussed. Applications to problems in the arena of clinical research are highlighted.