On the hyperthermic response to d-amphetamine in the decapitated rat

Injection of d-amphetamine (10 mg/kg i.p.) in the decapitated rat causes an increase in body temperature, oxygen consumption and heart rate and a decrease in skin temperature. These effects could be reduced or blocked by administration of α- and β-blocking agents. In the decapitated rats in which the content of endogenous catecholamine was reduced by 6-hydroxydopamine treatment and/or adrenalectomy the effects of d-amphetamine were also reduced. Thus it can be concluded that d-amphetamine has a peripheral calorigenic effect due to release of catecholamines. This calorigenic effect of d-amphetamine is resistent to treatment with pimozide in contrast to the pimozide sensitive, central thermogenic effect described by other authors.