Document Detail


Behavioral approach to the study of the upper limit of temperature tolerance in rats.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  9811381     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
A simple test of critical thermal maximum (CTM) to assess a break-down of heat-escape behavior in rats is described. Experiments were performed on 18 unrestrained adult Wistar rats of both sexes. Hypothalamic and intraperitoneal (i.p.) temperatures as well as motor activity were simultaneously and continuously recorded in the rats exposed to heat. When animals were growing restless, as evidenced by an increase in their motor activity, which was usually recorded at hypothalamic temperatures well above 41 degrees C, we started testing CTM. To assess heat-escape behavior we used a precooled cooling bar (a part of a camp-cooler) which was placed at intervals in a climatic chamber. The hyperthermic rats, given the bar for 30 s, mounted it vigorously until they failed at particular levels of brain and body temperatures which were recognized as respective CTM values. Rapid external cooling of rats prevented lethal effects of the heat exposure. We were able to show effects of timing of heat exposure on heat tolerance. We also managed to detect small but significant differences in heat tolerance of warm-reared (an increase), cold-reared (a decrease), and bacterial-endotoxin-treated (an increase) rats. The heat-escape behavior was less heat-resistant than selective brain cooling response which was still present at CTM point. In conclusion, our CTM test is a safe and reliable way to study heat tolerance in rats.
Authors:
M Caputa; K Dokładny; B Kurowicka
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Physiology & behavior     Volume:  65     ISSN:  0031-9384     ISO Abbreviation:  Physiol. Behav.     Publication Date:  1998 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1999-01-29     Completed Date:  1999-01-29     Revised Date:  2008-11-21    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0151504     Medline TA:  Physiol Behav     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  183-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology, N. Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Behavior, Animal / physiology*
Body Temperature / physiology
Brain / physiology
Endotoxemia / physiopathology
Female
Hot Temperature / adverse effects*
Male
Motor Activity / physiology
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Survival
Temperature

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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