Factorial Study of Environmentally-Induced Metabolic Changes in Rats

Abstract

Metabolic effects of chronic exposure to combinations of adverse environmental influences were studied in rats. During exposures lasting 12 weeks, rats were subjected to the barometric pressure equivalent to 18,000 feet altitude at temperatures ranging from 5° to 34°C. Controls at the various temperatures were held at ground level (700 ft. above sea level). Biweekly observations showed that metabolic functions (water, electrolyte and nitrogen) were influenced primarily by the thermal factors, but altitude effects could also be distinguished. Observations are reported for survival, body weight change, water and food intake, urine volume and the urinary excretion of Na, K, PO4, Mg, Ca, urea, uric acid, creatinine, taurine and 10 amino acids.