Microcalorimetric investigations of animal cells

Calorimetric measurements on living animal cells normally involve determination of heat production rates under essentially isothermal conditions. Experiments are usually performed by use of twin heat conduction microcalorimeters. Combination of results from calorimetric measurements and analytical determinations lead to valuable thermochemical information. But in most studies conducted so far, the calorimeters are used solely as analytical tools, "process monitors". Experiments are easy to perform but several critical experimental parameters should be taken into account.