Oxygen Consumption of Newborn Mice at Low Temperatures

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Abstract
Newborn mice are shown to consume 02 at low, but constant, easily measurable rates at temperatures down to and including 0[degree]C. Rate of 02 consumption is essentially constant at temperatures of 0-3[degree]C at just under 0.01 ml/g/ hour. At 4[degree] and 5[degree] the rate is 2 and 4 times as great, respectively. At all temperatures from 0-5[degree]C the amount of 02 taken up by intact mice is less than the sum of cutaneous respiration plus the 02 taken up by an isolated head. This indicates not only that all of the 02 needed at these low temperatures can be obtained by simple diffusion, but also that a very large portion of the 02 consumed is used within the head, presumably by the brain. At temperatures from 6-10[degree]C, although gross respiratory movements are not apparent, the rate of 02 consumption is markedly increased, apparently as a result of effective circulation, which serves not only to speed up 02 transport, but allows diffusion of 02 into the lungs to play a role in 02 supply. At temperatures above 11[degree]C the appearance of gross respiratory movements renders these mechanisms virtually ineffective.
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