Rectal Temperature Measurements Research Articles

Transferability of dermal temperature histamine sensitization test for estimation of pertussis toxin activity in vaccines

All current acellular pertussis vaccines (ACVs) contain detoxified pertussis toxin (PT) as a major component. An essential part of the safety evaluation of these vaccines, required by regulatory authorities, is to monitor their active PT content and to check for reversion to toxicity of the detoxified PT. Although various in vitro tests are under investigation, the only practicable means for detecting active PT at present is the histamine sensitization test. The methods given in the European Pharmacopoeia and in the US Pharmacopoeia are based on recording a binary response to histamine challenge (using a lethal end point). A more sensitive method based on measurement of rectal temperature is given in the Japanese Minimum Requirements for Biological Products. More recently, a refinement of this method based on dermal temperature measurement has been developed for ACVs in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (DTaP). We show that this method also can be used for more complex combination vaccines and is readily transferable. Furthermore use of dermal temperature provides a more precise quantitative estimate of toxin activity than the binary response, leading to an increase in information from a specified number of animals, or allowing a reduction in the number of animals required. We suggest that, pending the development of an alternative in vitro replacement method, the temperature based method may serve as an intermediate solution to the estimation of PT activity giving a precise estimate with reduction in animal numbers.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mammary Irrigation Regimen in Dairy Cattle Diagnosed with Acute Coliform Mastitis

The objective of this field study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of mammary irrigation for the treatment of dairy cattle diagnosed with acute coliform mastitis caused by gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the effects of different mammary irrigation regimen fluids such as ozone water and normal saline were compared. Dairy cattle clinically diagnosed with acute coliform mastitis (n = 57) were enrolled in the study, randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups, and received the following treatments: systemic antibiotic administration (SAA group; n = 40), mammary irrigation regimen (MIR group; n = 10), and both treatments (MIX group; n=7). Significant antipyretic effects, as assessed by rectal temperature measurement, were observed in the MIX and MIR groups. Although 2 irrigating fluids were used, namely, ozone water and normal saline, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. Fourteen days after the onset of the treatments, the milk yield recovery rate in MIR group tended to be higher (p = 0.06) than that in the SAA group. Additionally, after 30 days of treatment, the MIR group cows demonstrated significantly higher successful recovery rates (p<0.05) than the SAA group cows. These results indicate that mammary irrigation with normal saline is an effective treatment for acute coliform mastitis in dairy cattle.

The acute and subchronic effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on body temperature in rats

The consumption of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is known to cause severe hyperthermia in humans. This is of extreme importance since ecstasy is often consumed at "rave" parties, where dancing takes place in a warm environment, which may exacerbate the effect of MDMA on thermoregulation. The present study was performed in order to evaluate the effects of single and repeated administration of MDMA on body temperature in Wistar rats. The study included 72 male Wistar rats, housed in groups of four in cages at a room temperature of 222 degrees C. They were divided in two groups. The rats in the first group were treated with oral solution of MDMA (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg) and their temperature was measured hourly until 8th hour. The rats in the second group were treated with oral solution of MDMA (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) every day during 15 days and their temperature was measured daily at 0th, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th hour. Temperature was measured by inserting a thermocouple probe 2.5 cm into the rectum. Both groups showed dose dependent increase of body temperature, determined by rectal temperature measurements. The magnitude of hyperthemic response caused by subchronic administration of MDMA was markedly diminished during the experiment. The hyperthermic effect of MDMA was dose-dependent. The magnitude of the hyperthermic response was markedly diminished in subchronic administration.

ESTUDO DE RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS DE EQÜINOS SEM RAÇA DEFINIDA E DA RAÇA QUARTO DE MILHA ÀS CONDIÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS DE TERESINA, PIAUÍ

This study was developed to evaluate the adaptability of without defined breed and Quarter Horses to the thermal conditions of Teresina, using physiological parameters using tolerance tests and heat dissipation. The measures of rectal temperature and heart and respiratory rates were collected in March and October. These months represents, respectively, the rainy period and the hot and dry period in the area studied. The response of each genetic group was evaluated using physiological parameters and adaptations indexes (Iberia, Benezra and Rainysby tests). In each herd the experimental design was completely randomized and the statistical model included the effect of period of the year and/or schedule of measurement of the parameter. The thermal environment in the area during the dry period of the year hinders the homoeothermic maintenance in the animals, limiting the physical activities with horses. The physiological parameters suffered with an increase of the environmental temperature. The Quarter Horses were shown to be adapted to the environmental conditions, with small alterations in the rectal temperature caused by increment of the temperature. The hot thermal environment during the dry period of the year interfered in the homoeothermic behavior of the Without Defined Breed animals. KEY WORDS: Adaptation, indexes, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, thermal environment.

Clinical observations, biochemical data, and postmortem and histopathologic findings in young dairy calves fed zeolite clinoptilolite binder combined with milk replacer

To identify any adverse effects on health or performance in young dairy calves fed clinoptilolite mixed with milk replacer. 26 male Holstein calves (1 to 7 days old). Twice daily for 28 days, calves were fed milk replacer with no clinoptilolite (control group; n=8), 0.5% clinoptilolite (low-dosage group; 9), or 2% clinoptilolite (high-dosage group; 9); each calf consumed approximately 12% of its body weight (based on the replacer solids in the milk replacer mixture)/d. For each calf, subjective health assessments, weight and rectal temperature measurements, and CBC and serum biochemical analyses were performed at intervals. All calves underwent necropsy. 2 calves were euthanized during the experiment because of bronchopneumonia or enteritis. Body weight and average daily gain did not differ among treatment groups. The percentage of monocytes and serum total protein concentration in the low-dosage group were higher than values in the control and high-dosage groups. Compared with values for either clinoptilolite-treated group, BUN concentration was greater in the control group. Serum globulin concentration differed significantly among groups (2.77, 2.50, and 2.36 g/dL in the low-dosage, control, and high-dosage groups, respectively). At necropsy, gross lesions associated with clinoptilolite treatment were not detected in any of the calves. Even under stressful conditions, clinoptilolite fed at low or high dosages did not affect the performance of dairy calves and had no negative effect on WBC count and blood metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities. Clinoptilolite ingestion was not associated with treatment-specific gross changes.

Diagnostic value of rectal temperature of African cattle of variable coat colour infected with trypanosomes and tick-borne infections

Diagnosis of major endemic bovine parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa such as trypanosomosis, theileriosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and cowdriosis is increasingly relying on clinical diagnosis due to deterioration of veterinary services and laboratory facilities. Pyrexia is a common clinical feature of aforementioned diseases whose detection relies on measurement of rectal temperature. The research undertaken in this study was aimed at assessing the effects of diurnal changes and variable coat colour of indigenous Nkedi Zebu cattle on the diagnostic value of rectal temperature under tropical conditions. The results revealed that variation in rectal temperature was significantly influenced by time of day it was taken and by the coat colour of the Nkedi Zebu cattle ( P < 0.001). Rectal temperature experienced diurnal changes: steadily rising to reach a peak at 17.00 h before declining. The mean rectal temperature of unhealthy cattle was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than that of the healthy ones only between 13.00 and 17.00 h of the day. During which period the proportion of unhealthy cattle having a rectal temperature of 39.4 °C or higher was significantly higher than that of healthy ones ( P < 0.001). Regarding the variable coat colour of indigenous breeds, rectal temperature among cattle of different coat colours was significantly different ( P < 0.05). In conclusion it is important to consider diurnal changes in rectal temperature and differences due to variable coat colour of indigenous African breeds when measuring rectal temperature for assessing pyrexia, during clinical diagnosis of bovine trypanosomosis and tick-borne diseases that are endemic in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Temporal Artery Temperature Measurements Do Not Detect Hyperthermic Marathon Runners

Exertional heat stroke is a cause of collapse in marathon runners. Rectal temperature (T(rectal)) measurement is the usual method of estimating core temperature in collapsed runners, and temporal artery thermometer (TAT) measurement is untested for field use in marathon runners and other athletes. The objective of this study is to compare TAT measurement with T(rectal) measurement in collapsed marathon runners. TAT-500i (Exergen Corp, Wellesley, MA) temperature measurements were obtained using the manufacturer's instruction manual on 60 collapsed marathon runners who had T(rectal) measurements in the finish area medical tent during two consecutive annual races. The TAT temperatures identified only 2 of 17 hyperthermic runners (T(rectal) > 39.4 degrees C (103 degrees F)), a sensitivity of only 0.12, and a Pearson' correlation coefficient of 0.374 (r = 0.14). Among the 17 hyperthermic runners, the correlation of T(rectal) to TAT temperatures was 0.526 (r = 0.28) with a mean +/- SD T(rectal) of 40.7 +/- 0.94 degrees C (105.1 +/- 1.7 degrees F) and a mean +/- SD TAT temperature of 37.4+/- 1.3 degrees C (99.4 +/- 2.4 degrees F). Among the 43 collapsed normothermic runners, there was no correlation between the rectal and the TAT measurements (r = -0.142, P = 0.37). These findings indicate that there is little association between the temperatures obtained by temporal artery measurement and T(rectal) measurement in collapsed marathon runners and that TAT temperature is unable to identify hyperthermic runners. Based on these findings, TAT measurement should not be used to assess core body temperature or make treatment decisions for marathon runners with potential exertional heat stroke.

Axillary and Rectal Temperature Measurements Poorly Agree in Newborn Infants

Aim: Evaluation of the agreement between axillary temperature measurements and rectal temperature measurements in neonates. Methods: Rectal and axillary body temperatures were simultaneously measured for 3 min in 33 neonates (gestational age 25–42 weeks, weight 840–4,005 g). Two investigators performed paired measurements, one in each neonate. A single type of thermometer was used in this study: one thermometer for each rectal and another thermometer for each axillary measurement. The Bland-Altman method was used (95% ‘limits of agreement’: mean ± 2 SD) to determine the level of agreement between axillary and rectal measurements. Results: The axillary temperature was significantly lower than the rectal temperature (mean ± SD 0.27 ± 0.20°C, p < 0.05). The ‘95% limits of agreement’ ranged from –0.13 to +0.67°C. Increasing postnatal age (days) showed a significant increase in temperature difference (rectal minus axillary; r = 0.54; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The mean difference between axillary and rectal temperature shows a wide variation. Axillary temperature measurements cannot be used interchangeably with rectal measurements in neonates.

Flight distance and avoidance score in thoroughbred foals and yearlings and the relationship with handling frequency in the young ages.

Flight and avoidance reactions from human were examined using 168 postweaning Thoroughbred foals in 22 breeding farms. Further 114 yearlings of 168 foals were tested in the following summer. The foal handlings by the stabler were asked in questionnaire. The relationship between the behavioural reactions and the foal handling frequencies was analyzed. The flight reaction was estimated as the distance from the animal to a stranger when the animal began to flight away from his approach. The avoidance scores were set up from (1) (not resistant) to (5) (touch rejection) from human touching. In the stabler questionnaire, handling frequencies of “body brushing”, “rectal temperature measurement”, “hoof cleaning”, and “stall cleaning” in the early nursing period were asked. The handling frequencies were scored from (1) (not done) to (5) (every day). In the preliminary test, a measurement reliability of the flight distance and the avoidance score was confirmed. The mean flight distances were 0.56 m and 0.27 m in the postweaning foals and the yearlings, respectively. Touch-avoidance scores of the highest frequency were (3) and (2) in the postweaning foals and the yearlings, respectively. As the results of Spearman’s rank-correlation analysis, “body brushing” showed highly negative relationships with “flight distance” (ρ=–0.31, P<0.001) and “avoidance score” (ρ=–0.37, P<0.001) in the postweaning foals. In the yearlings, “hoof cleaning” also showed significantly negative relationships with these behavioural indices (ρ=–0.24, P<0.01; ρ=–0.22, P<0.01, respectively).

Comparison of different methods of temperature measurement in children

The consequences of failing to notice fever in children can be serious. On the other hand, false positive reading can result in unnecesery investigation or diagnostic approach. The aim of this study was to compare different ways of body temperature measurement. This prospective study was carried out on Pediatric Department of General Hospital in Subotica during 10 months (March-December 2006). In 263 children aged 1 month to 18 years of age, the body temperature was obtained from 4 measurement sites: tactile assesment, forehead and ear by electronic thermometer, rectal temperature in small children (up to 2 years of age) or axillar temperature in older children by mercury thermometer. Tympanic thermometry was considered as a standard for fever detection. The sensitivity of rectal temperature to detect fever is 46.67%, while specificity is 92.19%. The sensitivity of fever detection by electronic thermometry on the forehead is lower according to rectal thermometry - 36.08%, while specificity is 95.18%. The lowest values ofsensitivity are recorded in axillar thermometry (35.82%), specificity is 90.20%. The correlation coefficient is higher between tympanic and rectal temperature measurement (r=0.5076, p<0.0005), than between tympanic and forehead measurements (r=0.5076, p<0,0005), while the lowest was between tympanic and axillar mesurement sites (r=0.4933, p<0.0005). The results of our study and literature data show that the most accurate methods of thermometry are rectal measurement of body temperature in small children and tympanic thermometry in children over 2 years of age.

Consumo, produção de leite e estresse térmico em vacas da raça Pardo-Suíça alimentadas com castanha de caju

Avaliaram-se o consumo de matéria seca, a produção de leite e os indicadores de estresse térmico de vacas Pardo-Suíça alimentadas com castanha de caju no semi-árido do Nordeste do Brasil. Doze animais foram distribuídos em um ensaio de reversão, com quatro tratamentos: 0, 8, 16 e 24% de castanha no concentrado. As vacas receberam cana-de-açúcar à vontade e sete quilos de concentrado por dia. Maior consumo de matéria seca de cana-de-açúcar foi observado no tratamento com concentrado sem castanha (7,70kgMS/dia) em relação aos tratamentos com 16% e 24% de castanha (7,35 e 7,05kgMS/dia, respectivamente). O consumo no tratamento com concentrado sem castanha não diferiu do consumo no tratamento com 8% (7,59kgMS/dia). Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre a produção de leite e sobre as variáveis indicativas de estresse térmico (P&gt;0,05).

Oxidative stress in rat kidneys due to 3,4‐methylenedioxymetamphetamine (ecstasy) toxicity

The mechanism of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-induced toxicity is believed to be, in part, due to enhanced oxidative stress. As MDMA is eliminated via the kidney, the aim of this study was to investigate whether MDMA created conditions of oxidative stress within rat kidney. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, control treatment (water), acute MDMA administration (single oral dose: 5, 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight) and subacute MDMA administration (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight per day during 14 days). Animals were sacrificed 8 h after the single oral MDMA administration in the acute MDMA administration group and after the last MDMA administration in the subacute MDMA administration group. Rectal temperature measurements, oxidative stress status parameters and histological examinations were performed. In all MDMA-administered rats, rectal temperature markedly increased peaking approximately 1 h after MDMA ingestion. Superoxide dismutase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased after MDMA administration. Histological examinations of the kidney revealed dose-dependent disruption of tissue structure in subacute MDMA-administered rats. The latter was not observed in acute MDMA-administered rats.

Dietary Capsaicin Does Not Alter Synovial Concentrations of Prostaglandin E2 or the Acute Phase Response in Aged Horses after Antigenic Challenge

Dietary capsaicin enhances disease resistance and immunity in various species. Because relatively little is known about the potential benefits of capsaicin when used on horses, this study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary capsaicin on measures of health in horses. Twelve horses were fed over 28 days a basal diet with three levels of dietary capsaicin: 0 mg (C), 50 mg (CAP50), or 100 mg (CAP100) per horse per day. Before feeding on day 0, horses were weighed, a blood sample taken, and a sample of synovial fluid from the left distal carpal joint was taken. Subsequent body weights and blood samples were obtained on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. On day 21, tetanus toxoid (TT) and an immunomodulator (EqStim) were given to each horse. On days 21 to 28, daily rectal temperature (RT) and blood samples were taken. On day 28, synovial fluid was obtained immediately after blood sampling and RT measurement. Synovial concentrations of prostaglandin E 2 did not differ among dietary treatments or between days 0 and 28. No effect of dietary capsaicin on serum immunoglobulin G subclass T or α 1 -acid glycoprotein concentrations was observed. Serum haptoglobin was elevated ( P < .0003) and RT increased ( P < .05) after challenge with EqStim and TT; however, haptoglobin concentrations and RT did not differ due to diet. We conclude that the doses of dietary capsaicin fed to horses in this study had no beneficial effect on measures of joint health or the immune response in horses.

Study between axillary and rectal temperature measurements in children

We compared axillary and rectal temperatures in 216 patients to assess the reliability of axillary temperature for determining fever in children under 14 years of age. Beyond the neonatal period, the mean rectal temperature was significantly higher than the axillary temperature. The sensitivity of axillary temperature in detecting fever was 87.5% among neonates but only 46% among older children. Axillary temperature correlated well with rectal temperature in neonates but not older children. There was no direct mathematical relationship between axillary and rectal temperature. Axillary temperature should be taken in neonates as it is less hazardous; rectal temperature should be used beyond this age.

Desempenho, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamento de bezerros mantidos em diferentes instalações: época seca

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o desempenho, o conforto térmico e o comportamento de bezerros mestiços Holandês × Zebu mantidos em abrigos móveis, sob sombrites ou a céu aberto durante a época seca do ano (26/04/2002 a 30/08/2002). Foram utilizados 24 bezerros do nascimento aos 70 dias de idade, distribuídos em blocos casualizados, nas instalações: 1 - abrigos móveis; 2 - sob telas de polipropileno (sombrite); 3 - a céu aberto. Os animais mantidos a céu aberto apresentaram, à tarde, maior temperatura retal e maior frequência respiratória. Não foram observadas diferenças entre intalações quanto às variáveis relacionadas ao comportamento animal. Bezerros mantidos em abrigos móveis passaram a maior parte do tempo fora das instalações. O desempenho dos animais não diferiu entre os tratamentos. Nos três tipos de instalação, os bezerros intensificaram, à tarde, os mecanismos latentes de perda de calor elevando a frequência respiratória acima da faixa considerada normal. Os animais mantidos a céu aberto não conseguem manter a temperatura retal na faixa considerada normal. Bezerros mantidos em abrigos móveis, sob telas de polipropileno ou a céu aberto apresentam desempenhos semelhantes.

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Diurnal Variations in Rectal Temperature of Bovan Nera Pullets During the Harmattan Season

Experiments were performed with the aim of determining the effect of Ascorbic Acid (AA) on diurnal fluctuations in Rectal Temperature (RT) of Bovan Nera pullets during the harmattan season. Thirty experimental pullets were administered AA orally at the dose of 60 mg kg , while 20 control birds were given 1 only clean water. Measurements of RT were taken for three days from 07:00 to 18:00 hours during the season using a standard clinical thermometer, inserted through the cloaca into the rectum of each pullet. The overall mean RT of experimental and control pullets were 41.3±0.09°C and 41.3±0.06°C, respectively. The recorded RT in the experimental pullets was lowest at 07:00 hours with the value of 41.2±0.04°C and highest at 15:00 hours with the value of 41.5±0.04°C (p<0.001). In the control pullets, the lowest RT was also recorded at 07:00 hours with the value of 41.0±0.09°C, while the highest value of 41.5±0.07°C (p<0.05) was recorded at 15:00 hours. The RT in both experimental and control pullets rose significantly (p<0.05) and concurrently with the hour of the day (r = 0.668 and 0.457, respectively). The dry-bulb temperature was positively correlated with the RT of both experimental and control pullets (r = 0.991 and 0.948, respectively). The fluctuation in RT of the experimental pullets was 1.1±0.05°C, while that of the control was 1.3±0.08°C (p<0.001). The RT values of both the experimental and control pullets showed distinct diurnal fluctuations. It is concluded that AA administration to pullets ameliorated the thermally stressful effect of the harmattan season and may enhance their productivity and health during the season.

Clinical, haematological, biochemical and economic impacts of Trichinella spiralis infection in pigs

The purpose of this work was to assess the clinical, haematological and biochemical responses of pigs experimentally inoculated with Trichinella spiralis. Groups of three pigs were inoculated per os with 100, 500 and 5000 T. spiralis muscle larvae, two pigs were used as control. Clinical evaluation of disease in pigs included daily examination, rectal temperature measurements and cardiac and respiration rates. Haematological studies included: hematocrit (%), hemoglobin (g/dl), and white cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts. Blood biochemistry included: bun (mg/dl), creatinine (mg/dl), AST (UI/l), ALT (UI/l), CPK (UI/l) and ALP (UI/l). No significant differences were observed in rectal temperature and in cardiac and respiration rates between inoculated animals and the control group (p≥0.05). Significant differences were detected (p≤0.05) in the values of % hemoglobin, and eosinophils, as well as in the values of CK, ALP, AST and ALT. The variations observed in some cases were related to the number of T. spiralis larvae inoculated and varied with the number of days post-infection. Inoculated pigs showed significant differences (p≤0.05) in weight gain when compared with uninoculated controls. This study has clinical, haematological, and enzyme alterations in Trichinella infected pigs provides a better understanding of acute and chronic trichinellosis in pigs.

Case report: perianal necrotizing fasciitis in a near-term neonate

Necrotizing fasciitis in the neonatal period is a rare, life-threatening condition. Previous cases of neonatal necrotizing fasciitis in the perianal region were speculated to have been initiated by rectal mucosal trauma secondary to rectal temperature measurements. We observed a case of fatal perianal necrotizing fasciitis in a neonate where the process began as a red ring surrounding the anus and guiac-positive stools, detected after a rectal temperature measurement. We speculate that the perianal necrotizing fasciitis that subsequently developed might have been initiated by a minor rectal mucosal injury, and we investigated the instrument used for the rectal temperature measurement to assess any potential areas on the probe sheath cover that might cause a minor injury. Each probe sheath cover examined had three areas that, in our opinion, could possibly generate a minor mucosal injury.

Colic Part 2: Physical evaluation

full clinical examination. This should incorporate evaluation of cardiovascular function, auscultation of thorax and abdomen and measurement of rectal temperature. Further tests may then be warranted, normally including rectal examination, passage of a nasogastric tube and abdominocentesis. Practice colic examination forms allow the results of various procedures to be reviewed over time; they are particularly useful if more than one member of the practice goes out to see a case. Other articles in this series will focus on rectal examination, specific features of certain diseases such as grass sickness and any other tests. The purpose of this article is to provide a practical-based review of the main elements of initial physical examination.

Procedure of rectal temperature measurement affects brain, muscle, skin, and body temperatures and modulates the effects of intravenous cocaine

Rectal probe thermometry is commonly used to measure body core temperature in rodents because of its ease of use. Although previous studies suggest that rectal measurement is stressful and results in long-lasting elevations in body temperatures, we evaluated how this procedure affects brain, muscle, skin, and core temperatures measured with chronically implanted thermocouple electrodes in rats. Our data suggest that the procedure of rectal measurement results in powerful locomotor activation, rapid and strong increases in brain, muscle, and deep body temperatures, as well as a biphasic, down–up fluctuation in skin temperature, matching the response pattern observed during tail-pinch, a representative stressful procedure. This response, moreover, did not habituate after repeated day-to-day testing. Repeated rectal probe insertions also modified temperature responses induced by intravenous cocaine. Under quiet resting conditions, cocaine moderately increased brain, muscle, and deep body temperatures. However, during repeated rectal measurements, which increased temperatures, cocaine induced both hyperthermic and hypothermic responses. Direct comparisons revealed that body temperatures measured by a rectal probe are typically lower (∼ 0.6 °C) and more variable than body temperatures recorded by chronically implanted electrodes; the difference is smaller at low and greater at high basal temperatures. Because of this difference and temperature increases induced by the rectal probe per se, cocaine had no significant effect on rectal temperatures compared to control animals exposed to repeated rectal probes. Therefore, although rectal temperature measurements provide a decent correlation with directly measured deep body temperatures, the arousing influence of this procedure may drastically modulate the effects of other arousing stimuli and drugs.