[The effect of exogenous catecholamines on the cardiac rhythm and thermoregulation of hibernating hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus L.)].

No disturbance was seen either in cardiac rhythm or in temperature of hibernating Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.) after an isotonic saline injection, with the help of a permanent aortic indwelling catheter. Partial or complete arousal was quickly obtained after increasing doses of norepinephrine (NE), while dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa), its natural precursor, induced the same effects more slowly. To differentiate the peripheral and central effects of L-Dopa, we used a pretreatment of Ro 4-4602, an inhibitor of the peripheral decarboxylation of L-Dopa; under these conditions we could not induce arousal in the hibernating animals. The arousals observed after NE and L-Dopa administration are suggested to be dependent upon a peripheral action of exogenous catecholamines, copying a natural mobilization of catecholamines reserves.