Effect of water temperature during cold exposure on thermogenic drinking in rats

Availability of water at temperatures higher than ambient (15, 25, 35 degrees C) failed both to affect the ratio of water to food intake during exposure to cold air (5 degrees C) and to influence the thermogenic (postcold exposure) drinking response of rats which characteristically occurs immediately after removal from cold air. Thus, availability of warm water during exposure to cold appeared to have no influence on cold-induced dehydration in rats. A specially constructed drinking apparatus was used in this study. It was designed to maintain water at temperatures greater than ambient during exposure to cold. Details for construction of the apparatus are provided.