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Noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (ADR), isoprenaline (ISO) and dopamine (DA) were given through a chronically implanted cannula in the lateral cerebral ventricle of Mastomys natalensis. Low doses of NA (0.05-0.25 microgram) reduced rectal temperature while larger doses (0.35 microgram upwards) produced dose-dependent hyperthermia. The hypothermic effect was antagonised by alpha-adrenoceptor and the hyperthermia by beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. alpha-Methyl noradrenaline produced less hyperthermia but it antagonised the hyperthermic effect of NA. Adrenaline (0.1-10 microgram) was ineffective per se but when given after tolazoline it produced hyperthermia and after propranolol it produced hypothermia. The dose-dependent hyperthermia with isoprenaline (0.1-10 microgram) was blocked by propranolol and MJ-1999. Dopamine (0.5-20 microgram) and its agonists apomorphine, amantadine and BS 9641 produced hyperthermia which was antagonised by haloperidol and pimozide but not by alpha- or beta adrenoceptor antagonists. Noradrenaline (1.0 microgram) produced hypothermia at ambient temperature of 10 degrees C and 16 degrees C. It had no effect at 20 degrees C which seems to be the thermoneutral zone for mastomys. The hyperthermic effect at 33 degrees C was less than at 24 degrees C. Dopamine (10 micrograms) response was attenuated at 33 degrees C and unaffected at other ambient temperatures. It is concluded that alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors and DA-receptors exist in the central thermoregulatory mechanism in mastomys. The alpha-receptors are concerned with lowering the body temperature whereas the beta-receptors and DA-receptors are involved in raising it.

In 1972, offi cials at the French Delegation Generale a la Recherche Scientifi que et Technique commissioned a study from the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques on public attitudes toward scientifi c research in France. This request was made as a result of certain concerns prevalent among those who managed public research. They were anxious to avoid public protest against directions taken by investment in scientifi c research, which was beginning to be criticized elsewhere and particularly in the United States. In 1971, the OECD commissioned a report from Dean Harvey Brooks of Harvard University on changing science policies. The report criticized directions taken by scientifi c and technological development, and, in particular, it underscored a rising trend in opinion that still holds true today: “There is today a certain emotional reaction against science and technology and some serious criticism of them. It is realized that the immense social benefi ts that have fl owed from science and technology are sometimes accompanied by social drawbacks. Thus, policies concerned with science and technology in the next decade will have to take into account, much more explicitly than in the past, the benefi ts and disadvantages, real and potential, that may result from the application of science or the deployment of technology.” The study on French attitudes toward research was entrusted to a research team at the Centre d’Etude de la Vie Politique Francaise (CEVIPOF) and the fi eld survey was conducted by the SOFRES survey organization in 1972.