Changes in some physiological parameters of albino rats at different ambient temperature

Hassanin, S. H.; Khali, F. A.; Elaziz, A. M. S. Abd-; El-Sobhy, H. E.

doi:1994.7.4.471

Article

Animal Reproduction and Physiology

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 1994;7(4): 471-474.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.1994.471 Published online December 1, 1994.

Changes in some physiological parameters of albino rats at different ambient temperature

S. H. Hassanin, F. A. Khali, A. M. S. Abd- Elaziz, H. E. El-Sobhy

Abstract

Five experimental groups with five adult male rats in each, were exposed to 20, 35, 40 and 45째C air temperature for 50-70 minutes, and to 50째C for 30-50 minutes, respectively. Food and drinking water were not permitted during the exposure. Blood samples were obtained by heart puncture immediately after the thermal treatment. All the rats were hyperthermic (p<0.01) as compared to the controls (20째C). Hyperthermia was associated with hypoglycemia which was significant (p<0.01) at 45 and 50째C exposures. Plasma levels of GOT and GPT declined at 35 and 40째C reaching the lowest (p<0.05) level at 45째C, while at 50째C GOT level was elevated by 45% but GPT was normal as compared to the controls. Differences between groups were significant (p<0.01) for GOT and insignificant for GPT. Hermatocrit value increased significantly (p<0.01) at 45 and 50째C, indicating hemoconcentration. It could be concluded that severe heat stress (45 and 50째C) resulted in critical hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, disturbed liver function, body dehydration, and hemoconcentration leading to death.

Keywords: Rat; Temperature; Stress; Hyperthermia; Hypoglycemia; Hemoconcentration