The effects of ligation of the oesophagus on body and brain temperature in pigeons

1. 1. We measured brain and colonic temperatures in adult pigeons (Columba livia) with or without oesophageal ligation, and with or without simultaneous eye covering at ambient temperatures between 24°C and 45°C. 2. 2. Colonic and brain temperatures rose at the higher ambient temperatures; the temperature elevations were no different in pigeons with oesophageal ligation, compared to sham-operated controls. The presence of simultaneous eye covering also had no effect on colonic or brain temperatures. 3. 3. Oesopohageal inflation decreased from a rate of 2.8 ± 1.4 per minute (mean ± SEM) to zero, in anaesthetized pigeons when warmed from a colonic temperature of 40.5°C to 43.8°C. 4. 4. In pigeons oesophageal inflation plays no significant part in body temperature regulation or in the maintenance of a lower brain than body temperature even in hot ambient conditions.