Effects of hypothalamic injections of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine on thermoregulation in rats.

5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine, a serotonin depletor, infused directly into the anterior hypothalamus of rat's brain, produced an increase in both heat production and heat loss (as indicated by changes in peripheral circulation) at temperatures of 8, 15 and 22 degrees C. The rectal temperature of these treated rats remained constant.