The Effect of Prolonged Exposure to Low Temperature on the Basal Metabolism of the Rat

Abstract

Exposure of the albino rat to low temperatures (7 to 12°C.) for the major portion of each day, for 15-, 30- or 60-day periods: 1) increases basal metabolic rate as measured at thermal neutrality, 11 to 16%; this increase, per unit of weight, reaches a maximum and sustained level between the fifteenth and thirtieth day; per unit of body surface the effect is slightly less, though still statistically significant; 2) increases body temperature; correction for this still leaves a significant increase in metabolic rate; 3) retards gain in weight; 4) does not affect the respiratory quotient.