Metabolic depression and heat balance in starving Wistar rats

Resting metabolic rate and heat balance was studied in rats starved for 8 days at ambient temperature 22 degrees C and 30 degrees C. A depression of the resting metabolic rate was observed, at both temperatures. Metabolic rate depression, expressed as a function of the ratio between the real body wt and the normal body wt, was less at 22 degrees C than at 30 degrees C. Deep body temperature decrements of 2 degrees C and 0.6 degrees C by the end of starvation indicated that central temperature controlling mechanisms were affected. Concurrent decrements of evaporative heat loss did not account for the changes in heat conductance, thus indicating that a reduction of peripheral blood circulation also took part.