Hyperthermic syndromes and impairment of the dopaminergic system: a clinical study.

We present 8 cases of centrally-originating hyperthermic syndrome, the intial cause being either neuroleptic malingnant syndrome, hyperthemia after discontinuance of antiparkinsonian therapy or heatstroke. We review the physiological and neurochemical mechanisms involved in thermoregulation, emphasizing the role of dopamine. A single mechanism, consistent with pharmacological or neuropathological impairment of the dopaminergic system, could be responsible for all the cases of hyperthermic syndrome presented.