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Body fluid and hematologic adjustments during resting cold acclimation in rhesus monkey
Summary
Rhesus monkeys exposed to cold showed increased total body water and blood volume, suggesting they are a good model for studying human body fluid adjustments during cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Environmental Medicine
- Primate Research
Background:
- Understanding body fluid regulation is crucial for adapting to environmental stressors.
- Cold exposure significantly impacts physiological functions and fluid balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body fluid adjustments in rhesus monkeys during prolonged cold exposure.
- To evaluate the rhesus monkey as a model for primate cold exposure studies.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were acclimated to 6°C and 80% relative humidity for 35 days.
- Red cell mass, extracellular fluid volume, and total body water (TBW) were measured using isotopic tracers (51Cr, 35SO4, 3H2O).
- Measurements were taken before and at intervals during cold stress.
Main Results:
- Total body water (TBW) increased throughout cold exposure.
- Extravascular fluid compartment changes occurred within the first week, then normalized.
- Blood volume and plasma volume, relative to TBW, increased significantly from day 3 onwards.
- Hemodilution was observed on day 3, followed by a gradual return to baseline.
- Increased plasma osmolality and erythrocyte expansion were noted throughout the exposure.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys exhibit significant body fluid adjustments during prolonged cold exposure.
- The observed physiological responses suggest the rhesus monkey is a suitable model for studying cold-induced fluid shifts in primates, including humans.