Interrelationships between heat acclimation and salivary cooling mechanism in conscious rats

1. Adaptation of salivary cooling mechanism during acclimation to heat (34 degrees C) and its role in thermoregulation of the rats was studied on conscious rats with either one submaxillary gland chronically cannulated or both submaxillaries ligated. 2. During heat stress (40 degrees C) acclimated rats showed a decrease both in rectal temperature threshold for salivation (Tre-TS), in salivary flow rate and in Tre (hyperthermic plateau). Animals survived for extended periods and rats with ligated glands survived 40% less than non-ligated rats. 3. For both cannulated and ligated rats short term acclimation (5 days) was the most effective. 4. It is suggested that earlier activation of salivation mechanism is associated with the decreased hyperthermic plateau and that the decreased salivary flow rate allows better control of water balance of the animals. Consequently, survival period during heat stress is extended.