Minimal metabolism, summit metabolism and plasma thyroxine in rodents from different environments

Rodents were live-trapped in three environments (desert, intermediate and coastal) in Southern California, USA, chosen because of the taxonomic overlap of species. Upon capture, blood samples were taken and plasma thyroxine concentrations were measured. Four species (Dipodomys merriami, Perognathus fallax, Peromyscus eremicus and Peromyscus californicus) were returned to the laboratory for measurement of minimal and summit rates of metabolism. Heteromyid rodents had significantly lower plasma thyroxine concentrations (14-44 nmol l-1) than cricetid rodents (18-93 nmol l-1). Although there was significant habitat difference in plasma thyroxine levels, this influence was not constant between heteromyid and cricetid rodents. In most species, the desert individuals had the lowest plasma thyroxine concentration. Minimal metabolic rates were lower than expected in all four species, as well as in the tropical heteromyid Liomys salvini and summit metabolic rates were similarly reduced in all species. Upon capture there was considerable variation in plasma thyroxine concentration of different species (23-93 nmol l-1). However, following 10 weeks in captivity, the range and variability of plasma thyroxine levels in these species was considerably reduced (32-64 nmol l-1).