[The effect of cold acclimatization on thermoregulation in the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguicilatus]

Abstract

The long-term (45 days) acclimation of the Mongolian gerbil, in contrast to albino rats, is not accompanied by adaptive changes in general metabolism, chemical thermoregulation, bioelectric skeletal muscles activity, and tissue respiration in muscles and liver. The effect of short-term intermittent cooling in the Mongolian gerbil is of short duration and does not manifest itself in increased stability of body temperature. The calorigenic effect of norepinephrine may be only observed after a long-term adaptation. The pattern of adaptation to cold in the Mongolian gerbil, a typical habitant of continental climate of Central Asia, depends on the stability of its normal thermoregulation.