FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON METABOLIC ALTERATIONS IN THE HYPOTHERMIC RAT

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Abstract
Further observations on metabolic alterations in fasted rats cooled under ice to rectal temperatures approximating 15 °C are reported. In the hypothermic rats, metabolism of injected lactic acid does not appear to be impaired. There is however: increased concentration of inorganic phosphorus in blood but not in liver; increased concentration of glutathione in liver but not in blood; increased plasma chloride concentration; decreased red cell potassium concentration; increased red cell water content; decreased plasma water content. Hypothermia, under these conditions, did not alter concentrations of liver acid-extractable glycogen, red cell sodium, plasma sodium, plasma potassium, nor serum calcium. Administration of urea in saline prior to cooling elevated plasma sodium and potassium concentrations in hypothermic rats. These observations are discussed in relation to previously reported effects of hypothermia on carbohydrate metabolite levels.

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