Thanks! 

**********************
Cheri A. Budzynski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Heidelberg College
310. E. Market Street
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
(419) 448-2000  ext. 2251
(419) 893-1986 ext. 4005


-----Original Message-----
From: Harry Avis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 11:36 AM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences
Subject: Re: Student Question


The primary cause as I understand it is peripheral vasodilation, which
leads 
to flushing, of course, and a loss of body heat. The core temperature 
decreases as a result. Alcohol intoxication leads to sleepiness which
also 
contributes by decreasing motor activity. As far as I know hypothalamic 
temperature regulating mechanisms are largely serotonergic and to a
lesser 
extent adrenergic. I haven't checked any of my sources but I don't
recall 
mapping of GABA-A receptors on hypothalamic temperature mechanisms. Once

hypothermia reaches a certain point (94 F?) I believe that homeostatic 
mechanisms fail. Hypothermia itself also leads to somnolence. Actually
not a 
bad way to go once you get past the shivering stage, apparently.



Harry Avis PhD
Sierra College
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Anything worth doing is worth doing at all





>From: "Cheri Budzynski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Reply-To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences"
><[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Student Question
>Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 10:49:11 -0500
>
>A student asked about the cause of hypothermia with alcohol poisoning. 
>I postulated that it is likely due to general inhibition of the CNS via

>the GABA A receptor. However, I am wondering if serotonin may also be 
>involved. Does anyone know the specific mechanism that leads to 
>hypothermia with alcohol use? I have been trying to do a literature 
>search and I am not finding much.
>
>Cheri
>
>**********************
>Cheri A. Budzynski, Ph.D.
>Assistant Professor of Psychology
>Heidelberg College
>310. E. Market Street
>Tiffin, Ohio 44883
>(419) 448-2000  ext. 2251
>(419) 893-1986 ext. 4005
>
>
>
>---
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