UTILIZATION OF BODY RESERVES DURING EXPOSURE OF MICE TO LOW TEMPERATURES

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Abstract
White mice acclimated for 4 weeks to 6[degree] C had a body water content on an absolute and on a fat-free basis that was greater than that of mice acclimated to 23[degree]C. When exposed to freezing temperatures, the weight loss and loss of water were greater in the cold acclimated group. Fat was the major tissue energy reserve utilized under these conditions. In both acclimation groups it accounted for 85 to 89% of the total calories, the remainder being supplied mostly by protein. There was a reduction in heat of combustion of the fat of mice during exposure to freezing temperatures that signifies an alteration in chemical composition of the fat.