Equithesin: a hibernation-inducing drug?

1. Hibernating insectivore species (hedgehogs) and non-hibernating rodents (guinea pig and rat) were anaesthetized with 'equithesin' (a mixture of chloral hydrate, magnesium sulphate, and pentobarbitone sodium). 2. The physiological responses shown by the hedgehogs were similar to those observed in hedgehogs during a natural or cold-induced hibernation. 3. These responses included a strong reduction in body temperature, heart rate, respiration and oxygen consumption, and brain activity. 4. Such responses to equithesin were not observed in the non-hibernating rodent species. 5. These results suggest that equithesin is a potential tool for hibernation research.