Thermoregulatory Responses of Baboons Exposed to Heat Stress and Scopolamine
Abstract
The objects of this study were (1) to determine whether the baboon's thermoregulatory response to heat stress involves evaporative heat loss through either sweating or panting, or a combination of both; (2) to assess the effects of scopolamine on temperature regulation in the baboon; and (3) to obtain some indication of the similarity between the responses of men and baboons to heat and scopolamine. The animals were tested in the Climatic Facility in a modified monkey chair. The measurements taken were total weight loss, weight loss from head sweating and exhalation, skin temperature, rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. In control experiments at 43 C (110 F) in which only saline was injected, the body temperatures and respiration remained in equilibrium for 2.5 hours. The total weight loss amounted to about 180 mg/kg/min whereas water was collected from the respiratory tract at a rate of about 30 mg/ kg/min. In control experiments at 24 C (75 F), the body temperatures were lower and the total weight loss was only about 30 mg/kg/min. Following intramuscular injection of scopolamine and methyl scopolamine, total weight loss was reduced by amounts up to 50% within 30 minutes, and respiratory rate and body temperatures increased within 60 minutes. However, there was no substantial change in water collected from the head and respiratory tract.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0875200
Entities
People
- E. G. Cummings
- Henry J. Wright
- John L. Miller
- L. M. Newman