Effects of ginseng root saponins on brain monoamines and serum corticosterone in heat-stressed mice.

The rectal temperature and serum corticosterone increased in mice exposed to 45 degrees C for 15 min; at the same time, the contents of brain 5-HT and NE reduced, brain DA unchanged. Ginseng root saponins (GRS) ip 200 mg/kg inhibited the increase of serum corticosterone and the decrease of brain 5-HT and NE in heat-stressed mice, but did not affect brain DA. GRS lowered mice body temperature at room temperature and inhibited the rise of body temperature under heat environmental conditions in mice. Reserpine eliminated the hypothermia of GRS at room temperature and its inhibitory effect on hyperthermia under heat-stress conditions. PCPA eliminated only the inhibition of GRS on hyperthermia under heat-stress, but had no significant effect on hypothermia at room temperature.