Pharmacologically Induced Resistance to Heat Shock

OBSERVATIONS (Van Matre et al., 1957; Burger and Lorenz, 1960) on the life-prolonging action of reserpine and chlorpromazine in chickens subjected to heat shock led to further experiments, reported in abstract by Burger et al. (1957), designed to elucidate the physiological processes involved. This paper places on record experiments with various central-nervous-system (CNS) depressants, with drugs known to have specific effects on the adrenal and/or autonomic systems, and with adrenal cortical hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS S. C. White Leghorn chickens from the Departmental flock were subjected to heat shock as previously described (Burger and Lorenz, 1960). Various drugs and hormones were administered either orally or parenterally to chicks ranging in age from 4 to 14 weeks. The diet and procedure for mixing supplements were described by Burger et al. (1959). Injections were made into the breast muscle once daily; the last injection was about one hour before the birds were …