TESTOSTERONE MODIFIES RESPONSE TO CHRONIC HEAT EXPOSURE IN RATS

Eight weeks of heat exposure (34 +/- 0.5 degrees C) in sham-orchiectom ized rats leads to an increase of body temperature, slowing of body gr owth rate, and decrease of serum corticosterone level, as compared wit h animals maintained at 21 +/- 2 degrees C. Orchiectomy decreases body temperature, slows growth rate, and increases plasma corticosterone c oncentration both in control and heat exposed animals. Testosterone ad ministration reverts these parameters to initial values. We conclude t hat testosterone plays a role in the regulation of heat balance in mal e rats. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.