Pronounced Hypothermia Elicited by Prolonged Stimulation of the “Heat Loss Centre” in Unanaesthetized Goats.

Summary. Polypnea, peripheral vasodilatation and inhibition of shivering were maintained for long periods by continuous electrical stimulation of the preoptic “heat loss centre” in unanaesthetized goats kept in an environmental temperature of — 6 to — 7° C. In this way the rectal temperature of one goat was lowered as far as to 29.5° C. This pronounced hypothermia was accompanied by drowsiness, hyperglycaemia and a reduced blood flow in accessible veins.