Influence of salbutamol and other beta-agonists on hypothermia induced by clonidine, apomorphine and reserpine in mice.

Clonidine administered to mice induced hypothermia and this effect was antagonized by a single dose of the following beta-agonists: salbutamol, isoprenaline and terbutaline. The effect of these beta-agonists was completely antagonized by propranolol. The effect of terbutaline on reserpine-and apomorphine-induced hypothermia was also studied; it causing a slight but significant reversal of hypothermia. This effect was also blocked by propranolol. The results obtained here showed these beta-agonists behave in a manner similar to other antidepressant drugs. The data reinforces the view that beta-stimulation is of great importance in antidepressant action.