The relation between sedation and body temperature in the mouse.

Chlorpromazine and reserpine reduce locomotor activity and prolong pentobarbitone hypnosis in mice. Both these effects are shown to be proportional to the fall in body temperature produced by these drugs. Other agents are shown to reduce body temperature and potentiate pentobarbitone. At ambient temperatures of 32 degrees C. neither chlorpromazine nor reserpine is hypothermic or sedative. It is concluded that sedative effects in the mouse at ordinary room temperatures are related to the hypothermic properties of these drugs. At 36 degrees C., while reserpine fails to potentiate pentobarbitone, chlorpromazine still does so.