Effect of food intake on oxygen consumption in cold-acclimated rats.
The objective of the present study was to determine the relative importance of thermoregulatory and energy conservation mechanisms in cold-exposed, food-restricted rats at thermoneutrality. Oxygen consumption was measured at 25 degrees C and 10 degrees C in rats acclimated at 30 degrees C and fed ad libitum and in animals acclimated at 10 degrees C and either fed ad libitum or subjected to food restriction. Rectal temperature was taken before and after each oxygen consumption measurement. Rats from all three groups showed a similar oxygen consumption measured at 10 degrees C. At 25 degrees C, the cold-acclimated rats on ad libitum intake displayed a higher oxygen consumption than did non-acclimated animals. The food-restricted rats at thermoneutrality showed an oxygen consumption similar to that of non-acclimated animals. Rectal temperature did not change significantly under any type of condition. It is concluded that the energy conservation mechanism in food-restricted rats is present only when the thermoregulatory drive is not too strong.
Luz
J
J
Departamento de Fisiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil.
Griggio
M A
MA
D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D001835:Body Weight; D003080:Cold Temperature; D002149:Energy Intake; D005508:Food Deprivation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D051381:Rats; D012007:Rectum