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Acta Physiologica 2008; Volume 194, Supplement 665
The 59th National Congress of the Italian Physiological Society
9/17/2008-9/19/2008
Cagliari, Italy
OREXIN A INDUCES A PREFERENCE FOR HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
Abstract number: OC22
VIGGIANO1 Al, MONDA1 M, VIGGIANO2 An, SPAZIANO1 G, DE LUCA1 B
1Dept. Experimental Physiology, Second University of Naples, Italy
2Dept. Study of Institutions and Territorial Systems, University of Naples Parthenope, [email protected]
Aim:
Orexin A is a hypothalamic neuropeptide involved in sleep/awake cycle, feeding behaviour and thermoregulation. Administration of Orexin A icv has a well known hyperthermic effect. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of an icv injection of orexin A on the thermal preference behaviour in rats.
Methods:
After an icv injection of Orexin A or saline solution, rats were placed for 2 h in a 2 m long cage with a linear temperature gradient from 25°C at one end of the cage to 16°C at the opposite end of the cage.
Results:
Orexin-injected rats showed a preference for resting at higher temperature (23–25°C) compared to saline-injected rats (22–24°C).
Conclusion:
This result further supports the thesis that orexin A has a pirogen-like effect, shifting the hypothalamic thermal set-point to a higher temperature.
To cite this abstract, please use the following information:
Acta Physiologica 2008; Volume 194, Supplement 665 :OC22