Influence of Fatty Acids and of the Adrenal Cortex on the Course of Oxygen Consumption With Changing Temperature

Abstract

Rate of O2 consumption measured by time for reduction of oxyhemoglobin from occlusion of circulation in tail of the rat. Determinations were made as temperature changed. Seven peaks appear between 10[degree] and 42[degree]. Peaks are associated with saturated fatty acids from C6 to C18- Adrenal-ectomy causes the 3 lowest to disappear and 2 highest to fall in temperature scale. Trauma, cold, epinephrine, ACTH, cortisone, desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) cause peaks, particularly the lowest, to rise on temperature scale. Adrenal sterols in adrenalectomized rats cause the same effect, absent peaks return. It is suggested that acids act by spreading as monolayers and that adrenals affect the solubility of the acids.