Prostaglandins and temperature regulation in the rhesus monkey.

The role of prostaglandins in nonfebrile temperature regulation in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was investigated, Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, produced only a slight (less than 0.8 degrees C) fall in core temperature when administered intravenously (2-4 mg/kg) to warm-, cold-, and nonacclimated afebrile rhesus monkeys at ambient temperatures of 18, 27, and 33 degrees C. The fall in the core temperature was independent of the state of temperature acclimation and was brought about by nonregulated means. In addition, cold acclimation in the rhesus monkey was not associated with any change in hypothalamic sensitivity to the hyperthermic effects of exogenous prostaglandin E1. The results indicate that hypothalamic prostaglandins are not involved in normal temperature regulation of the monkey or in the process of temperature acclimation.