The influence of small changes in the gravitational field on the weight regulation in female Wistar rats.
OBJECTIVE
To determine effect of small gravitational changes on weight regulation in female Wistar rats.


RESULTS
Rats submitted to moderate increases in the gravitational field will lose weight. We increased the g force in steps between 1 and 2.5g and found an exponential correlation between weight loss and the gravitational field. The weight loss was reversible upon return to normal g force. In adult fully grown rats we found a marked 'overshooting' upon return to 1g force after a stay at 2g for 5 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
A hypothesis is proposed suggesting that the weight loss and regain represent the effect of regulatory mechanisms on the appetite control presumably mediated via impulses from the proprioceptive nerves in the extremities.
Thorling
E B
EB
Danish Cancer Society, Department of Nutrition and Cancer, Aarhus.
Fredens
K
K
D000818:Animals; D002498:Centrifugation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D018470:Gravity, Altered; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006400:Hematocrit; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012399:Rotation; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*