Temperature changes associated with forebrain ischemia in the gerbil.

Changes in brain temperature during and following ischemia have not been systematically examined in the gerbil. In this study, gerbils were subjected to a 5-min bilateral carotid artery occlusion. During surgery, skull and body temperatures were maintained with a heated water blanket and a homeothermic blanket unit, respectively. Rectal, skull and brain temperatures were monitored throughout ischemia and for up to 3 h in the post-ischemic period. Intra-ischemic brain temperature fell by approximately 1.5 degrees C even though skull and rectal temperatures remained at normal values. Since brain temperature modulates the extent of ischemic injury it may not be sufficient to rely on skull and/or rectal temperature readings, especially during periods of anesthesia.