EMOTIONAL HYPERGLYCEMIA AND HYPERTHERMIA IN TROPICAL MAMMALS AND REPTILES

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Abstract
The higher mammalian tropical types, including monkeys, show a higher average blood glucose level and body temp. than lower types such as sloths and marsupials[long dash]on the average 104 mg. % and 38.5[degree] respectively, compared to 79 mg. % and 34[degree]. Hyperglycemic reactions from emotional excitement were more marked in the lower mammalian forms, and body temp. rises also tended to be greater on excitation (except in sloths). Sloths showed striking emotional hyperglycemic responses, but small changes in body temp. In these animals the apparent psychic and general somatic expressions were of a low-grade character. Blood-eating or vampire bats showed normal blood glucose levels 3 times as high as insectivorous and frugivorous bats[long dash]an average of 192 mg. compared to 63 mg. %. Further, emotional hyperglycemia was 3 times as great in the carnivorous bats. Reptiles such as snakes and especially crocodiles showed emotional hyperglycemic and hyperthermal changes which were not greatly different from those observed in mammals. There was no uniform correspondence apparent between general psychosomatic expressions and glycemic and thermal changes in individuals or in spp.

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