Role of endogenous cyclo(His-Pro) in cold-induced hypothermia in the desert rat (Mastomys natalensis).

R Shukla, N H Rahmani, H Mizuma, R C Srimal, C Prasad

Index: Peptides 15(8) , 1471-4, (1994)

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Abstract

Central administration of exogenous cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is known to produce hypothermia in rodents. In the present study, we examined the role of endogenous CHP in cold-induced hypothermia in the desert rat, Mastomys natalensis. The results of these studies show that a rise in hypothalamic CHP content accompanied a decrease in rectal temperature during cold exposure. Immunoneutralization of endogenous CHP resulted in a significant decline in cold-induced hypothermia. In addition, central administration of cyclo(Ala-Gly), a structural analogue of CHP, also led to a decrease in cold-induced hypothermia. The results of these studies show that changes in endogenous CHP levels may affect body temperature regulation.