Accession Number:

AD0648129

Title:

ENERGY METABOLISM OF RATS BORN AND RAISED IN LOW-PRESSURE PURE OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT.

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for Nov 64-Oct 66,

Corporate Author:

SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE BROOKS AFB TEX

Personal Author(s):

• Pepelko,William E.

Report Date:

1966-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

Ten rats born and maintained in a pure oxygen environment at a total pressure of 210 mm. Hg absolute were placed individually in metabolism cages at 21 days of age and remained there for 6 weeks. They were compared with a similar group of ground-level controls. In additon, 6 rats maintained at altitude and 6 controls were sacrificed at 21 days of age to provide an initial estimate of whole-body energy. Growth rates did not differ significantly however, overall digestibility was lowered in experimentals, 74.3 versus 79.5 for controls P .001, with even greater differences in protein digestibility, 65.5 versus 74.6 P .001. Although less fat was also digested by experimentals, 75.6 versus 81.4, this difference was not significant. Net caloric intake for both groups was the same, however, as a result of increased food intake by experimentals. Calories given off as heat did not differ, suggesting similar metabolic rates. Carcass content of fat and protein, as a percentage of dry matter, did not differ for 21- or 63- day-old rats. The 21-day-old experimentals had a higher water content, 68.1 versus 65.6 for controls P .05. Caloriesgram on a dry-weight basis showed no significant differences in either the 21- or 63-day group. Author

Descriptors:

• (*METABOLISM
• *LOW PRESSURE)
• RATS
• OXYGEN
• NITROGEN
• PROTEINS
• FATS
• INGESTION(PHYSIOLOGY)
• HEAT PRODUCTION(BIOLOGY)
• ENERGY
• BODY WEIGHT

Subject Categories:

• Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE