Effect of elevation of body temperature on the electroretinogram of the rat

Abstract

The effect of elevation of body temperature on the electroretinogram of the rat was investigated in the dark-adapted state. A systematic decline in latency was noted as the body temperature was raised stepwise from 37 to 41°C, averaging 1.9 ms °C⁻¹. Maintenance of animals at a body temperature of 41 °C or greater led initially to increases in latency followed by decreases in amplitude. Hence, the electroretinogram shows similar changes to those reported for other sensory evoked potentials; it may therefore be a good candidate for use as a simpler model of the effects of hyperthermia on neural tissue.

Key Words:

• body temperature
• rat
• hyperthermia.