Central administration of peptides alters thermoregulation in the rabbit.

Sixteen peptides were injected intracerebroventricularly to test their effects on rectal temperature of rabbits in a thermoneutral environment. In initial tests 5 micrograms alpha-MSH, ACTH(1--24), oxytocin, vasopressin and glucagon altered body temperature while ACTH(1--10), cholecystokinin, contraceptive tetrapeptide, gastrin, insulin, interferon, leupeptin, LHRH, panhibin (somatostatin), and proctolin did not. Bombesin also altered body temperature but in no consistent direction. In further tests on the effective peptides 1.25--5.0 micrograms alpha-MSH and ACTH(1--24) produced dose-related decreases in rectal temperature as great as 1.0 degrees C. The same doses of oxytocin and glucagon produced small, prolonged hyperthermias which did not exceed 0.4 degrees C. Vasopressin caused rapid development of small increases in rectal temperature; temperature returned to normal in 2--3 hr. The results suggest that five of the peptides tested may have roles in central mediation of normal body temperature, hypothermia, hyperthermia and fever.