Effect of food intake on oxygen consumption in cold-acclimated rats
Luz, J.; Griggio, M.A.
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 20(5): 619-622
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0100-879X PMID: 3452455 Document Number: 303553
The relative importance of thermoregulatory and energy conservation mechanisms in cold-exposed, feed-restricted rats at thermoneutrality was investigated. Oxygen consumption was measured at 25 degrees and 10 degrees C in rats acclimatized at 30 degrees and given feed to appetite and in rats acclimatized at 10 degrees and given free or restricted access to food. Rectal temperature was taken before and after each oxygen consumption measurement. Rats from all groups had similar oxygen consumption at 10 degrees . At 25 degrees , the cold-acclimatized rats with free access to feed had a higher oxygen consumption than did non-acclimatized rats. The feed-restricted rats at thermoneutrality showed an oxygen consumption similar to that of non-acclimatized rats. Rectal temperature was not affected by treatment. It is concluded that the energy conservation mechanism in feed-restricted rats is present only when the thermoregulatory drive is not too strong.