Organ Weights and Water Levels of the Rat following Reduced Food Intake

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Abstract
The effect of anorexia on the weights and water levels of body organs was determined. Ninety-two adult female albino rats of a Wistar strain were divided into groups which were subjected to various daily restrictions of food intake that resulted in a loss of body weight up to 40% at the end of 2 weeks when they were killed and autopsied. At autopsy the wet weight and water content of the following organs were measured: adrenal glands, brain, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, small bowel, cecum, colon, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscle, ovaries, skin, spleen, salivary glands, thymus gland and residual carcass. Up to 20% loss of body weight, the effects of starvation were of a minor nature. At 30 to 40%, gastric ulcers and a stress reaction appeared, and most organs had lost considerable dry weight and gained water; but only brain showed no changes in weight.