Skip to main content
Log in

Responses of midbrain raphe neurons to local temperature

  • Letters and Notes
  • Published:
Pflügers Archiv Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The effect of heating and cooling in the midbrain on the unit activities of midbrain raphe neurons in the rat was observed. Out of 24 raphe units studied, 14 units responded to a rise in midbrain temperature with an increased rate of firing. The remaining 10 units did not respond to temperature changes between 34 and 41°C. The result is consistent with the idea that the heat-induced increase in brain serotonin turnover is mediated by an increased firing rate of midbrain raphe neurons.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aghajanian, G.K., Foote, W.E., Sheard, M.H.: Lysergic acid diethylamide: sensitive neuronal units in the midbrain raphe. Science.161: 706–708 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Aghajanian, G.K., Weiss, B. L.: Block by LSD of the increase in brain serotonin turnover induced by elevated ambient temperature. Nature.220: 795–796 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Andén, N.E., Dahlström, A., Fuxe, K., Larsson, K., Olson, L., Ungerstedt, U.: Ascending monoamine neurons to the telencephalon and diencephalon. Acta physiol. scand.67: 313–326 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bligh, J.: Temperature regulation in mammals and other vertebrates. Amsterdam, North-Holland Publ. Comp. (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Boulant, J.A., Hardy, J.D.: The effect of spinal and skin temperatures on the firing rate and thermosensitivity of preoptic neurones. J. Physiol. (Lond.)240: 639–660 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Corrodi, H., Fuxe, K., Hökfelt, T.: A possible role played by central monoamine neurones in thermo-regulation. Acta physiol. scand.71: 224–232 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Cunnigham, D.J., Stolwijk, J.A.J., Murakami, N., Hardy, J.D.: Responses of neurons in the preoptic area to temperature, serotonin, and epinephrine. Am. J. Physiol.213: 1570–1581 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Eisenman, J.S.: Unit studies of brainstem projections to the preoptic area and hypothalamus. In: Recent studies in hypothalamic function, ed. by Lederis, K. & Cooper, K.E., Basel, Karger (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Hellon, R.F.: The marking of electrode tip positions in nervous tissue. J. Physiol. (Lond.)214: 12P (1971)

  10. Hori, T., Harada, Y.: Midbrain neuronal responses to local and hypothalamic temperatures in the rat. (In Japanese) Jap. J. Biometeorol.12: 12 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hori, T., Nakayama, T.: Effects of biogenic amines on central thermo-responsive neurones in the rabbit. J. Physiol. (Lond.)232: 71–85 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Jahns, R.: Different projections of cutaneous thermal inputs to single units of the midbrain raphe nuclei. Brain Research.101: 355–361 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  13. König, J.F.R., Klippel, R.A.: The Rat brain. Baltimore, Williams & Willkins (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Sheard, M.H., Aghajanian, G.K.: Stimulation of the midbrain raphe: effect on serotonin metabolism. J. Pharmacol. exp. Ther.163: 425–430 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Weiss, B.L., Aghajanian, G.K.: Activation of brain serotonin metabolism by heat: role of midbrain raphe neurones. Brain Research.26: 37–48 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hori, T., Harada, Y. Responses of midbrain raphe neurons to local temperature. Pflugers Arch. 364, 205–207 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00585193

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00585193

Key words

Navigation