Abstract
The body temperature of homeothermic animals is regulated by systems that utilize
multiple behavioral and autonomic effector responses. In the last few years, new approaches
have brought us new information and new ideas about neuronal interconnections in the
thermoregulatory network. Studies utilizing chemical stimulation of the preoptic area
revealed both heat loss and production responses are controlled by warm-sensitive
neurons. These neurons send excitatory efferent signals for the heat loss and inhibitory
efferent signals for the heat production. The warm-sensitive neurons are separated
and work independently to control these two opposing responses. Recent electrophysiological
analysis have identified some neurons sending axons directly to the spinal cord for
thermoregulatory effector control. Included are midbrain reticulospinal neurons for
shivering and premotor neurons in the medulla oblongata for skin vasomotor control.
As for the afferent side of the thermoregulatory network, the vagus nerve is recently
paid much attention, which would convey signals for peripheral infection to the brain
and be responsible for the induction of fever. The vagus nerve may also participate
in thermoregulation in afebrile conditions, because some substances such as cholecyctokinin
and leptin activate the vagus nerve. Although the functional role for this response
is still obscure, the vagus may transfer nutritional and/or metabolic signals to the
brain, affecting metabolism and body temperature.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 18,
2000
Received:
May 16,
2000
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
