Intraventricular administration of isoproterenol inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in rats

Summary At an ambient temperature (T_a) of 8°C, intraventricular administration of isoproterenol inhibited metabolic heat production and led to hypothermia in rats. In contrast, at a T_a of 22°C and of 30°C, isoproterenol decreased cutaneous circulation and led to hyperthermia. The data indicate that isoproterenol inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in rats.This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Council of the Republic of China. The authors are grateful to Dr C.Y. Chai for pertinent advice.