Effect of metopirone-ditartrate on thermogenesis in the guinea-pig

1. Cortisol is the major corticosteroid in the guinea-pig plasma; cortisone is detected in minor concentrations. 2. An increase in the plasma cortisol level is observed during acute cold exposure. 3. After application of metopirone-ditartrate the standard metabolic rate is depressed significantly at thermoneutrality. 4. In metopirone-treated guinea-pigs the cold-induced increase in heat production is depressed by 47% concomitant with a marked drop in body temperature. 5. It is concluded that the formation of cortisol is essential for regulatory heat production induced by acute cold exposure in the guinea-pig.