# Central thermoregulatory mechanisms during heat stress

> **NIH NIH R01** · SCINTILLON INSTITUTE FOR PHOTOBIOLOGY · 2022 · $480,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Thermoregulation is controlled in the CNS where peripheral thermal information is integrated and
thermoregulatory responses are activated. The core thermoregulatory network comprises the lateral
parabrachial nucleus, the preoptic area, the dorsomedial hypothalamus and the rostral raphe pallidus and is
involved in the most mechanisms of adaptive thermoregulation and in the fever response. The thermoregulatory
mechanisms activated during extreme heat exposure, when core body temperature (CBT) reaches 40.5 C or
more, are not fully understood. We have identified brain regions that are specifically activated only in such
conditions and our preliminary data indicate that these neurons are thermosensitive and are projecting to preoptic
thermoregulatory neurons. Our preliminary studies have also revealed that activation of these population of
neurons induces a potent hypothermia. The overarching hypothesis of this proposal is that a specific population
of neurons are activated at high core body temperature and that they stimulate downstream thermoregulatory
preoptic neurons triggering heat loss mechanisms. In Specific Aim 1 we will identify, using genetic tools, the
neurons activated during heat stress and characterize their physiological and neurochemical properties. In
Specific Aim 2 we will study using transgenic models, viral vectors and optogenetics the network connectivity of
these neurons and their role in thermoregulation. By employing pharmacological tools, electrophysiology and
transgenic models we will then study the ion channels involved in the thermosensitive firing of the neurons
activated at high CBT and will determine their role in thermoregulation (Specific Aim 3). Studying the
thermoregulatory neuronal networks and cellular mechanisms activated by extreme heat exposure may lead to
better therapies for heat stroke and provide central pharmacological targets for the development of hypothermic
agents.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10522981
- **Project number:** 1R01NS124844-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** SCINTILLON INSTITUTE FOR PHOTOBIOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Albert Chen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $480,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-15 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10522981

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10522981, Central thermoregulatory mechanisms during heat stress (1R01NS124844-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10522981. Licensed CC0.

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