ELECTROLYTE METABOLISM IN THE RAT EXPOSED TO A LOW ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Some aspects of electrolyte metabolism in the rat exposed to a low environmental temperature have been examined. The first day of exposure at 2 °C. was accompanied by a loss of chloride. Continued exposure to cold resulted in a retention of sodium, and to a lesser extent, of potassium. Exposure to cold for 45 days (at 2 °C.) caused a sustained elevation of concentration of sodium in the plasma, with a transient increase in potassium and no change in the chloride concentration. Prolonged exposure to cold resulted in an increased blood volume and total body water content. These observations suggest that the rats acclimatized to cold have a larger proportion of actively metabolizing tissues than do comparable animals at room temperature.