Temperature distribution during radiant heat whole-body hyperthermia: experimental studies in the dog.

A radiant heat system for whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) has been safely and effectively used in mice, pigs and humans. This report details our adaptation of this methodology to dogs. Mongrel dogs were used to study different anaesthesia methods including spontaneous ventilation with or without intubation, as well as mechanical ventilation. Temperature distribution was studied during 42 degrees C WBH; intraabdominal, liver, bone marrow, brain, rectal, lung, oesophageal and skin temperatures were monitored. When a target temperature of 42 degrees C was achieved, temperature gradients between organs were minimal with the possible exception of bone marrow. Results obtained are consistent with the concept that the liver is a major source of metabolic heat production. The establishment of a dog model for WBH allows for physiological and pharmacological studies. The existence of spontaneous neoplasms should promote the use of this species for trials combining hyperthermia with other modalities.